Adaptive Serial I/O Transmit Power Using Receiver Margin Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed serial I/O interfaces in computing devices consume excessive power due to over-design for worst-case manufacturing variations and noise coupling, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
Implement a power-adaptive digital interface that adjusts transmit power based on real-time electrical margin measurements, using an orchestration agent to dynamically optimize power consumption by adjusting transmitter parameters such as driver voltage swing and termination impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmit power is increased to account for worst-case manufacturing variations and noise coupling, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of transmit power levels based on real-time channel conditions and manufacturing variations. The system transitions from fixed worst-case power levels to adaptive power control that responds to actual signal margin measurements, allowing the transmitter to operate at optimal power levels under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the receiver measures signal margin and communicates channel quality information back to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables the transmitter to adjust its power output based on actual received signal quality, eliminating the need for excessive power margins while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If transmit power is increased to ensure adequate signal margin, then bit error rate is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the transmitter by adjusting power levels dynamically based on measured channel conditions. Instead of maintaining fixed high power levels, the system modifies transmission parameters (power, voltage swing) according to actual signal quality requirements, optimizing the trade-off between bit error rate and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transmitting at just sufficient power levels rather than excessive power levels. By measuring actual channel conditions and adjusting power accordingly, the system uses only the necessary amount of power to achieve acceptable bit error rates, eliminating energy waste from excessive transmission power.
3Manufacturing precision
If I/O interface is designed for worst-case conditions, then manufacturing robustness is improved, but power optimization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to previously static I/O designs. The system maintains robustness for manufacturing variations while adding the capability to adapt power levels in response to actual operating conditions, transforming a rigid worst-case design into a flexible adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with worst-case design requirements while simultaneously providing adaptive power control capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the same interface to handle both robustness requirements and power optimization needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising transmission circuitry to communicate first data to receiver circuitry over a serial communication link during an active state of the serial communication link; and power adjustment circuitry to adjust a power level of the transmission circuitry responsive to a request based on at least one margin measurement performed by the receiver circuitry on the first data, wherein the transmission circuitry is to communicate second data using the adjusted power level over the serial communication link.