Sensor Data Buffer Management During Memory Low-Power States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing systems, such as those in mobile devices, face challenges in transferring sensor data from buffers to system memory when the memory is in a low-power state, leading to buffer overflow and reduced ability to detect user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A processing system is configured to collect and store sensor data while the system memory is in a low-power state by using a system management controller to wake up the memory when the buffer usage reaches a threshold, allowing sensor data to be transferred to system memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the system memory is placed in a low-power state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to transfer sensor data from buffers to system memory is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily stores sensor data in buffers before the memory enters low-power state, and preliminarily sets up interrupt mechanisms and data transfer pathways. When the buffer reaches certain thresholds, pre-configured interrupt routines automatically trigger data transfer to system memory, ensuring data is transferred proactively before buffer overflow can occur during low-power periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the system management controller continuously monitors buffer usage levels and receives interrupt signals from the sensor circuitry. Based on this feedback about buffer status, the controller dynamically decides when to wake up the system memory to perform data transfers, creating a closed-loop control system that balances power consumption with data transfer needs.
2Reliability
If the system memory remains in active state to ensure continuous data transfer capability, then data transfer reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping the system memory continuously active, the system employs periodic action by entering low-power states between data transfers. The memory is periodically woken up based on buffer threshold conditions, performing data transfers only when necessary, and returning to low-power state otherwise. This converts continuous operation into periodic operation, reducing average power consumption while maintaining data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic interrupt-driven data transfer mechanisms. When buffers reach threshold levels, pre-configured interrupt routines automatically trigger the system management controller to wake up the memory and perform transfers, without requiring continuous active monitoring or manual intervention. This self-triggering mechanism ensures reliable data transfer while allowing the system to remain in low-power state during idle periods.
3Loss of information
If sensor data is continuously transferred to system memory to prevent buffer overflow, then data loss is prevented, but the system cannot enter low-power states effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily stores sensor data in buffers with defined capacity thresholds before transferring to system memory. By pre-configuring interrupt thresholds and transfer pathways, the system ensures data is captured and stored safely in buffers during low-power periods, then transferred in batches when memory is active, preventing data loss without requiring continuous active memory access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces buffers as intermediary storage between the sensor circuitry and system memory. These buffers act as a buffer zone that can be filled during low-power states without requiring the system memory to be active. The intermediary buffer decouples the continuous data generation from the periodic data transfer, allowing the system to enter low-power states while preventing data loss through controlled buffer management and threshold-based transfer triggers.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system includes one or more sensors configured to generate sensor data while a memory of the processing system is in a low-power state. As the sensors generate the sensor data, the sensor data is stored in a buffer. The processing system further includes a sensor data management circuitry that tracks a usage of the buffer. Based on the usage of the buffer exceeding a threshold, the sensor data management circuitry is configured to wake at least a portion of the memory from the low-power state. Once the memory exits the low-power state, the processing system transfers the sensor data from the buffer to one or more locations within the memory. After writing the sensor data to the memory, the processing system then places at least a portion of the memory back in the low-power state.