Shared LSI Packet Routing for Power Saving in Multi-Interface Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses with multiple communication interfaces face increased power consumption in power saving states due to the need for separate standby response LSIs for each interface, which contradicts the goal of reducing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus is designed with a shared LSI that can handle multiple communication interfaces by using a selection unit to route packets between the interfaces and the LSI, allowing the LSI to operate in a standby response mode, reducing power consumption by performing automatic responses, discarding packets, or canceling power saving states as needed based on packet attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate standby response LSIs are provided for each communication interface, then each interface can independently handle power saving states, but the number of LSIs increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple standby response LSI functions into a single shared LSI by adding a selection unit that routes packets from multiple communication interfaces to the same LSI. This combining approach reduces the total number of LSIs from multiple (one per interface) to just one shared unit, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to handle power saving states for each interface independently through software-based packet routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared LSI is designed to universally handle packets from multiple communication interfaces by implementing a selection unit that can identify and route packets from different interfaces to the appropriate processing path. This multi-functional LSI replaces multiple specialized LSIs, achieving the same reliability in power saving state handling with reduced component count and lower power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a shared LSI is used for multiple communication interfaces, then the number of LSIs is reduced and power consumption decreases, but packet routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selection unit as an intermediary component between multiple communication interfaces and the shared LSI. This mediator examines incoming packets, identifies their source interface, and routes them to the appropriate processing path within the shared LSI. The selection unit manages the routing complexity through structured packet examination and destination determination, balancing the reduced hardware complexity with controlled software-based routing logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LSIs are provided for each communication interface, then each interface can be independently optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shared LSI implements universal functionality to handle packets from multiple communication interfaces through a selection unit that can identify and process packets from different sources. This single multi-functional LSI replaces multiple interface-specific LSIs, maintaining adaptability and versatility through software-based packet routing while reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant hardware components.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a response processing unit, and a selection unit. The first and second processing units perform, in a first state, a predetermined process on data received via first and second communication interfaces respectively and do not perform the process in a second state. The response processing unit performs a response process in place of the first or second processing unit on the data received via the first or second communication interface when the first and second processing units are in the second state. The selection unit selects the second processing unit as a transmission destination of the data received via the second communication interface when the second processing unit is in the first state, and selects the response processing unit as the transmission destination when the second processing unit is in the second state.