Subset PHY Synchronous Link Rate Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet systems consume high power even during periods of low link utilization, as they do not efficiently adjust link rates to reduce energy usage during idle times, leading to significant energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a subset Physical Layer (PHY) that is a down-clocked version of a higher-rate PHY, allowing for synchronous transitions between link rates by dividing or multiplying the frequency of the timing element based on link utilization, thereby reducing power consumption during low utilization periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If link rate is maintained at high data rate, then data transmission capacity is preserved, but power consumption increases during low utilization periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the link rate between high and low data rates based on detected link utilization patterns. The PHY device transitions between operating states in response to traffic conditions, optimizing the balance between data transmission capacity and power consumption by making the system adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the PHY device by switching between different link rates (high data rate and low data rate). This parameter adjustment allows the system to match power consumption to actual traffic needs, reducing energy usage during low utilization while maintaining high capacity when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If link rate is reduced to low data rate, then power consumption is reduced, but transition time between rates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of link utilization patterns to anticipate when rate changes are needed. By detecting utilization thresholds in advance, the system can proactively transition between link rates, reducing the effective impact of transition times on overall system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic monitoring of link utilization to determine when transitions between link rates should occur. This periodic detection mechanism ensures that rate changes are made at appropriate intervals based on actual traffic patterns, optimizing the timing of transitions to minimize performance impact
3Use of energy by moving object
If synchronous transitions between link rates are implemented, then power consumption is reduced and synchronization is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PHY device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both high and low data rate operations within a single unified architecture. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple functions (high-rate and low-rate transmission) without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while enabling dynamic rate adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reducing power consumption during periods of low link utilization. A single enhanced core can be defined that enables operation of subset of parent physical layer devices (PHYs). The subset and parent PHYs can have a fundamental relationship that enables synchronous switching between them depending on the link utilization state.