Multi-port Serial Memory Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Serial links in electronic devices consume more power due to rapid state changes and the need for termination and bias resistors, which is problematic for mobile devices with limited battery life, especially as consumers demand higher speeds and longer battery life.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that enables or disables serial memory device ports on a per-port basis, progressively reducing power consumption by shutting down unused ports, removing port clock and power, and lowering core power when all ports are inactive, while maintaining functionality for accessing hosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If serial links are used to transmit data, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning serial link ports between active and power-down states based on activity detection. When a port detects no data activity for a threshold period, it automatically enters a low-power state, dynamically adjusting power consumption to match actual usage requirements while maintaining high-speed capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activity monitoring at defined intervals to determine whether ports should remain active or transition to power-down mode. This periodic detection mechanism allows the system to efficiently cycle between power states, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring rapid response when data transmission is required.
2Ease of operation
If ports are kept active to maintain functionality, then device responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a timeout mechanism that monitors port activity and automatically transitions ports to power-down state after a predetermined period of inactivity. This preliminary action ensures that ports are promptly powered down when not in use, reducing power consumption while maintaining readiness to quickly reactivate when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors data activity on each port and uses this feedback to control power state transitions. When activity is detected, ports remain active; when no activity is detected for the threshold period, ports transition to power-down mode. This feedback-driven approach optimizes the balance between responsiveness and power consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If all ports are powered down to reduce power consumption, then battery life is extended, but device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-port serial memory device into independent port units, each capable of being individually controlled in active or power-down states. This segmentation allows the system to power down only the specific ports that are not currently in use, rather than powering down all ports, thereby extending battery life while preserving functionality on active ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power states to different ports based on their individual activity levels. Ports that are actively transmitting data remain in the active state with full functionality, while inactive ports transition to the power-down state. This local differentiation optimizes power consumption without compromising the functionality of ports that need to remain operational.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for progressively reducing the power consumption of a serial memory device is provided, called the power control system. The power control system monitors the ports of a multi-port serial memory so that they can be enabled or disabled on a per-port basis. When data is not being transmitted or received on a port, a series of steps are taken to progressively de-power portions of the port and cause the port to enter into a low-power state. By disabling certain ports and placing ports in a low-power state, the power consumption of the overall serial port memory is significantly reduced.