Redriver and Retimer Wake-Up Using Common-Mode Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing redrivers and retimers in high-speed data communication channels consume excessive power when transitioning from low power modes, necessitating an efficient method to exit these states without significant power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data interface with two signal detectors: a first signal detector monitoring the differential mode component and a second signal detector monitoring the common mode component to enable the redriver or retimer to exit low power mode efficiently, while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the first signal detector is enabled to monitor the differential mode component continuously, then the reliability of signal detection is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The signal detection function is segmented into two detectors with different roles: the second signal detector continuously monitors the common mode component to provide early wake-up capability, while the first signal detector only activates when needed to monitor the differential mode component for reliable data detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second signal detector performs preliminary monitoring of the common mode component before the first signal detector is activated. This preliminary action enables the system to detect incoming signals and wake up the first signal detector in advance, ensuring reliable signal detection while keeping the high-power first signal detector inactive during most low-power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If both signal detectors are enabled simultaneously in low power mode, then the completeness of signal monitoring is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal monitoring completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented between two detectors with different power consumption characteristics. The second signal detector remains enabled in low-power mode to provide basic monitoring capability, while the first signal detector is disabled to minimize power consumption. Both detectors are enabled only when needed, achieving complete monitoring without continuous high power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enablement state of the signal detectors is made dynamic rather than static. The system transitions between different operational modes: in low-power mode only the second detector is enabled, while in active mode both detectors are enabled for complete signal monitoring. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve complete monitoring when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the first signal detector is disabled in low power mode to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect signal start may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal start detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The signal detection responsibilities are segmented between two detectors: the second signal detector handles the task of detecting signal start by monitoring the common mode component, while the first signal detector focuses on monitoring the differential mode component for data detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain signal start detection capability while disabling the high-power first signal detector during low-power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second signal detector acts as an intermediary that performs preliminary signal start detection before the first signal detector is activated. By monitoring the common mode component, the second detector provides early warning of incoming signals and triggers activation of the first signal detector, ensuring reliable signal start detection while keeping the high-power first signal detector inactive during most low-power states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12449878B2Exiting of low power modes of redrivers and retimers

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 PARADE TECHNOLOGIES LTD

AI summary

This application is directed to controlling a low power mode of a data communication channel. An electronic device includes an input interface for receiving an input signal. A signal conditioning circuit is coupled to the input interface, and configured to be disabled and consume power below a first threshold power level in a low power mode. A first signal detector is coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, and a second signal detector is coupled to the first signal detector. The first signal detector is configured to monitor a differential mode component of the input signal for controlling the signal conditioning circuit to exit the low power mode. The second signal detector is configured to, in the low power mode, detect a start of the input signal and enable the first signal detector based on a common mode component of the input signal.