Signal Detection Circuit for Low-Power Bidirectional Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In simultaneous bidirectional signaling, transceivers on one side of a communication channel continue to receive bits of the same value during idle mode, leading to unnecessary power consumption, and simply turning off the receiver results in the inability to detect when the opposing transmitter exits idle mode.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a signal detection circuit within transceiver pairs to monitor incoming bits from the opposing transmitter, deactivating the receiver when the opposing transmitter enters idle mode, and activating it when transitioning to transmission mode, using threshold voltage detection and minimal circuitry to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the receiver is turned off to save power during idle mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect when the opposing transmitter exits idle mode is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver functionality is segmented into two parts: a low-power signal detection circuit that remains active to monitor for transitions, and a full receiver that is activated only when needed. This allows the system to maintain detection capability while minimizing power consumption during idle mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A signal detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the opposing transmitter and the full receiver. This intermediary monitors incoming bits for transitions and triggers the receiver activation only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between power saving and detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the receiver remains active continuously, then detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily during idle mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver activation state is made dynamic rather than static. The system transitions between receiver active and receiver inactive states based on real-time detection of signal transitions, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual communication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The signal detection circuit performs periodic monitoring of incoming bits for transitions, and the receiver is activated periodically only when transitions are detected, rather than remaining continuously active. This reduces power consumption while maintaining detection capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250337445A1Signal detection for power saving in simultaneous bidirectional signaling

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

An integrated circuit includes a signal detection circuit comprising an activation circuit and coupled to a first receiver and a first transmitter. The signal detection circuit monitors bit transitions in data signals arriving, via the first receiver, over a channel from a second transmitter. The signal detection circuit detects that the second transmitter has exited an idle mode based on the bit transitions. Upon detecting that the second transmitter has exited the idle mode, the signal detection circuit activates the first receiver using the activation circuit.