Serial Data Interface Pulse Encoding for Low-Power Bidirectional Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer methods between devices consume increasing power as communication protocols support larger bandwidths, leading to inefficiencies in power management and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a transmitter encodes parallel multi-bit data into serial pulses and transmits them on a single data line, with a receiver decoding the pulses to recreate the original data, and using power management to deactivate data lines during idle periods and reduce voltage levels for further power savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If parallel multi-bit data is transmitted using multiple data lines to achieve higher bandwidth, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple parallel data lines into a single serial data line for transmitting multi-bit data. The transmitter encodes parallel data from multiple lines into a serialized format on one line, and the receiver decodes it back to parallel data. This merging approach maintains data transmission capability while reducing the number of active lines and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from parallel multi-line to serial single-line format. By converting the data transmission mode and using voltage headroom encoding schemes, the system achieves efficient serial communication that reduces power consumption while maintaining effective data transfer rates through optimized encoding and decoding processes.
2Ease of operation
If all data lines remain active continuously to ensure immediate data transmission capability, then transmission readiness is improved, but power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the data line rather than continuous operation. The system transitions between active and idle states based on transmission needs, using protocol-based wake-up mechanisms that allow the interface to remain ready for communication while consuming minimal power during idle periods. This periodic operation maintains transmission readiness when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during non-active times.
3Reliability
If voltage levels are increased to improve signal integrity and reduce errors, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies voltage headroom encoding where the signal uses only a portion of the available voltage range. Instead of utilizing the full voltage swing from ground to VDD, the encoding scheme operates within a narrower voltage window (e.g., VDD/2 to VDD), providing sufficient signal integrity and noise margin while reducing the energy required for voltage transitions and maintaining reliable data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for efficiently transferring data between devices. In various embodiments, a host computing device receives parallel data, encodes the parallel data as a count of pulses as serial data, and conveys the serial data to a peripheral device. The peripheral device decodes the received serial data to determine the parallel data, which is sent to processing logic. The devices send the encoded pluses on a bidirectional line, so the pulses are capable of being sent in both directions. The devices send the encoded pulses on the bidirectional line using a non-zero base voltage level. The devices are capable of using a voltage headroom when conveying encoded pulses between one another. Therefore, a full voltage swing between a ground reference voltage level and a power supply voltage level is not used when conveying the encoded pulses, which reduces power consumption.