Serial Redriver Power Modes for Signal Integrity and Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed serial communication protocols like USB 3.0 face challenges in signal degradation due to long distances between IC chips and connectors, requiring redrivers for signal restoration, while also needing to manage power consumption for mobile devices, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A redriver circuit that conditions data signals to correct for signal attenuation and noise, and includes power-saving features by disabling current-drawing circuitry in response to enable signals, allowing for reduced power consumption during low-power states like U2 and U3 in USB 3.0 protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the IC chip is placed far from connectors to accommodate multiple ports and different communication protocols, then the adaptability and versatility of the IC are improved, but the signal integrity deteriorates due to signal degradation over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
A redriver circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the IC chip and the connectors. This redriver receives the degraded signal from the IC, conditions it by adjusting signal properties (equalization, re-timing), and outputs a restored signal to the connector, thereby maintaining signal integrity over long distances while allowing the IC to be placed optimally for multi-functionality
2Reliability
If redriver circuits are added to restore signal integrity over long distances, then the signal quality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redriver circuit incorporates dynamic power management by implementing multiple power saving modes (U0, U1, U2, U3) that allow the circuit to transition between different operational states. The circuit can dynamically disable certain functions (such as equalization, re-timing, or entire channels) when not needed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining signal integrity when required
Solution Approach 2:
The redriver circuit changes its operational parameters based on communication needs. By adjusting equalization settings, re-timing enablement, and channel activation states, the circuit optimizes the balance between signal restoration quality and power consumption, allowing it to adapt to different transmission distances and data rates
3Productivity
If high data rates are implemented to improve communication speed, then the productivity is improved, but the signal degradation increases due to more stringent signal properties requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The redriver circuit performs preliminary signal conditioning actions before the signal reaches the connector. By applying equalization and re-timing in advance, the circuit pre-compensates for the signal degradation that will occur over the transmission distance, enabling high data rates to be maintained without loss of signal quality
Data Source
AI summary
Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure a redriver circuit is provided for a first and a second serial-unidirectional communications channel. The redriver circuit conditions received data signals by adjusting signal properties to correct for signal level attenuation and noise. The conditioned data signals are transmitted to corresponding outputs of the channels. The redriver circuit disables, in response to a first enable signal being inactive, current drawing circuitry of components for both channels on a common side of the redriver. The redriver circuit disables, in response to a second enable signal being inactive, current drawing circuitry of components for both channels on the other side of the redriver.