Serial Link Driver Circuit with Switchable Shunt for Lower Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed transmitter circuits in computing systems face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in mobile applications, due to significant current draw from the power supply node, which results in increased component sizes and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shunt circuit that couples two or more signal lines together for certain bit combinations, allowing previous voltage levels to generate new voltage levels, thereby reducing current draw from the power supply node and lowering power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional driver circuits are used to generate voltage levels on signal lines, then data transmission is achieved, but current draw from the power supply node is significant, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt circuit merges two signal lines (first and second signal lines) by coupling them together through switch circuits when specific bit patterns are detected. This combining allows the circuits to share voltage levels, reducing the current required from the power supply node while maintaining differential signaling capabilities for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes: (1) traditional independent voltage generation mode for all bit combinations, and (2) shunt coupling mode for specific bit patterns. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to reduce power consumption selectively without compromising data transmission reliability in other operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If shunt circuit is used to couple signal lines together, then current draw from power supply node is reduced, but additional circuit components are added
Solution Approach 1:
The switch circuits serve multiple functions: they act as standard driver switches for generating voltage levels on individual signal lines, and simultaneously function as shunt coupling switches when specific bit patterns are detected. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated shunt components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If voltage levels are generated using only power supply node current, then circuit design is simple, but power consumption is high and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt circuit enables the signal lines to serve themselves by allowing previously established voltage levels on one signal line to directly establish voltage levels on another signal line through coupling. This self-service mechanism reduces reliance on continuous current from the power supply node, thereby extending battery life without requiring complex external power management circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver circuit for a serial communication bus employs multiple switch circuits to generate different voltage levels on a set of signal lines included in the serial communication bus. The different voltage levels correspond to different values for a set of bits to be transmitted via the serial communication bus. The driver circuit also employs a shunt circuit that couples at least two of the signals together in response to the set of bits matching a particular data pattern.