Termination Voltage Switching for Low-Power Data Bus Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing systems in power down or self refresh modes experience unnecessary current flow due to termination voltage, leading to increased size and cost, as well as prolonged voltage stabilization time when returning to normal mode.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus with a voltage generating unit connected via termination resistors and an interrupting unit that applies or removes termination voltage based on the data processing state, using a semiconductor switch to manage current flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a regulator is used as an interrupting unit to control termination voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the size and cost of the circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from voltage regulation (using a regulator) to simple on/off switching (using a semiconductor switch). By switching the termination voltage between present and absent states rather than regulating its level, the circuit achieves power savings without requiring complex voltage stabilization components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and large regulator component with a simple, inexpensive semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch is a basic electronic component that provides the necessary interrupting function without the complexity and size of a voltage regulator, effectively using a simpler component to achieve the desired power management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a regulator is used as an interrupting unit to control termination voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the voltage stabilization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from voltage regulation (using a regulator) to simple on/off switching (using a semiconductor switch). By switching the termination voltage between present and absent states rather than regulating its level, the circuit achieves power savings without requiring complex voltage stabilization components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a separate power source system is provided for each terminal logic, then power consumption control is improved, but the layout difficulty and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source system into a shared configuration where a single termination voltage line serves multiple terminal logics. Instead of providing separate power sources for each terminal, the invention combines them into one common power distribution network, reducing the overall space required while maintaining the ability to control power consumption through centralized switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces power consumption, minimizes circuit size and cost, and accelerates voltage stabilization by controlling termination voltage application dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
The termination resistor behaves as a simple pull-up resistor, when no data processing is performed, it is known that an unnecessary current flows from the termination voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A processing unit carries out a predetermined data processing on the data in a storage unit. The storage unit is connected to the processing unit with a plurality of connecting lines. A voltage generating unit is connected to each of the connecting lines via a corresponding termination resistor and that generates a termination voltage to be applied to the connecting lines. An interrupting unit is connected between the connecting lines and the termination resistors, and it applies or does not apply the termination voltage to the connecting lines depending on a data processing state of the processing unit.