Protocol-Assisted Low-Power Mode Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MIPI C-PHY and D-PHY interfaces in mobile devices lack the ability to efficiently switch between high-speed and low-power modes, limiting their ability to take advantage of technology improvements for higher data rates and lower power consumption at lower voltage levels.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that allows an application processor to communicate with a display using multiple interface standards bidirectionally, by receiving code words to reconfigure the physical interface between low-power and high-speed modes, with all signals transmitted within a common voltage range less than 600 millivolts, enabling seamless transitions between modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the physical interface operates in low-power mode with higher voltage signals, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The physical interface dynamically switches between low-power mode and high-speed mode based on operational requirements. Code words are transmitted in low-power mode to trigger mode transitions, enabling the system to adapt its performance characteristics in real-time rather than being fixed in one state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface changes its operating parameters (voltage level, signal characteristics) by receiving code words that instruct the physical interface to transition between different operational modes. This allows the system to modify its electrical characteristics on-demand to balance power consumption and data transfer rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the physical interface operates in high-speed mode, then data transfer rate increases, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic transmission of code words to manage mode transitions. Code words are sent at specific intervals to trigger transitions from low-power to high-speed mode when data transfer is needed, and to return to low-power mode when data transfer is complete, creating a rhythmic pattern of high and low power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The physical interface autonomously transitions between modes based on received code words without requiring external control logic. The interface self-manages its operational state by interpreting code words and automatically reconfiguring its voltage levels and signaling characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If different voltage levels are used for high-speed and low-power modes, then mode switching is possible, but signal compatibility within a common voltage range becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidsignal compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single physical interface is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different modes within a common voltage range. The same interface hardware handles both low-power communication and high-speed data transfer without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode, achieving multi-functionality through protocol-assisted mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Code words serve as intermediaries that mediate the transition between different operational modes. These special signal sequences act as a language between the transmitter and receiver, instructing the physical interface to change its voltage levels and signaling characteristics while maintaining compatibility within a common voltage range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10027504B2Protocol-assisted advanced low-power mode

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

System, methods and apparatus are described that support multimode operation of a data communication interface. A method includes receiving a first code word transmitted while a physical interface of the device is configured to operate in a low-power mode of operation, reconfiguring the physical interface in response to the first code word such that it operates in a high-speed mode, transmitting data while the physical interface operates in the high-speed mode of operation, receiving a second code word transmitted while the physical interface operated in the high-speed mode of operation, and reconfiguring the physical interface in response to the second code word, such that it operates in the low-power mode of operation. The first code word, the second code word, and the data may be transmitted in signals bound by a common voltage range. In one example, the voltage range is less than 600 millivolts.