Switched Modem Path Reduces Application Processor Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
As network data transfer rates increase, processors in receiving terminals are frequently occupied with network communication, leading to resource depletion and increased power consumption, which slows down overall processes and reduces battery life in computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device architecture that includes a modem, an application processor, a storage device, and a switch, which selectively provides communication paths between the modem and either the application processor or the storage device without passing through the application processor, allowing the storage device to operate independently and reducing processor load. This architecture also employs a power manager to control power domains and optimize sleep modes and active modes across different components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transmitted through the modem and processed by the application processor, then communication functionality is achieved, but the processor becomes occupied and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication data flow into two separate paths: one for application processor handling (first communication path) and one for storage device handling (second communication path). This segmentation allows the system to process different types of data through appropriate channels, reducing the burden on the application processor and lowering its power consumption while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary component that receives data from the modem and selectively forwards it to either the application processor or the storage device based on data type. This intermediary prevents all communication data from passing through the application processor, thereby reducing processor occupation and power consumption while ensuring that only necessary data reaches the processor.
2Ease of operation
If the application processor handles all communication data, then data processing is centralized, but the number of times the processor is occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data processing function into two segments: the communication interface handles storage-related data directly from the modem, while the application processor handles application-related data. This segmentation reduces the number of times the application processor needs to be occupied with communication tasks, thereby improving processor availability and overall system productivity while maintaining ease of operation through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is enabled to serve itself by receiving communication data directly from the modem through the communication interface without requiring application processor intervention. This self-service capability reduces processor occupation times and improves productivity, as the storage device can independently handle its own data operations.
3Speed
If network data transfer rate increases, then more data can be transmitted, but the processor is occupied more frequently leading to reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path to allow high-speed network data transfer while bypassing the application processor for storage-related data. By routing these data streams through separate paths (modem to storage device directly), the system can maintain high data transfer rates without proportionally increasing processor occupation, thereby preserving battery life even as network speed increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface acts as an intermediary that manages high-rate data transmission from the modem and selectively directs it to the storage device or application processor. This intermediary prevents all high-speed data from overwhelming the processor, reducing the frequency of processor occupation and extending battery life while maintaining high data transfer capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device and a method of operating the same are provided. The computing device includes a modem that communicates with an external device, a storage device, an application processor that accesses the storage device, and a switch that selectively provides one of a first communication path connecting the modem and the application processor and a second communication path connecting the modem and the storage device without passing through the application processor.