Transmitter Multiplexer Switching for Voltage Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer techniques over data links face issues with idle agent management, leading to delays, data overhead, and complexity, particularly due to voltage noise caused by aggressive power budgets and high switching activity, which degrades performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a multiplexer to selectively transmit a patterned data signal during idle modes, reducing switching activity and voltage noise by intermittently communicating a patterned data signal and alternating between data and inverted data signals based on clock cycle thresholds, ensuring minimal switching activity and maintaining circuit health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transmission protocols use idle agent management techniques, then data transfer can be controlled during idle states, but delays and data overhead are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a counter to generate selection signals at regular clock cycle intervals. The counter counts clock cycles and generates selection signals periodically to switch between data signal input and inverted data signal input, creating a rhythmic switching pattern that maintains signal activity during idle states without requiring complex protocol management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-computing inverted data signals and preparing them in advance. The inverted data signal is generated beforehand and stored or held ready, so that when the selection signal switches inputs, the inverted signal is immediately available for transmission, eliminating delays that would occur if inversion happened in real-time during idle periods
2Ease of operation
If transmission protocols are used for idle agent management, then data transfer control is achieved, but complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data signal processing into separate functional components: a data signal input path, an inverted data signal input path with dedicated inverter circuitry, and a multiplexer with counter-controlled selection. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and simply, avoiding the need for complex protocol logic while achieving idle state management through the coordinated operation of these segmented parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the data signal itself to generate its inverted version through dedicated inverter circuitry. The system serves its own idle state management needs by automatically generating and switching between complementary signals without requiring external protocol control or complex decision logic, thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If aggressive power budgets are used, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage noise increases due to high switching activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically altering the switching activity parameter of the data link. During idle states, the system transitions from zero switching activity (complete idle) to controlled switching activity by periodically switching between data and inverted data signals. This parameter change maintains minimal switching activity that consumes power but prevents excessive voltage noise by avoiding the extremes of both complete idle and high-rate switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of complete idle states (which cause voltage noise due to abrupt transitions) into a beneficial controlled switching pattern. By intentionally introducing periodic switching between data and inverted signals during idle periods, the system transforms what would be harmful abrupt idle transitions into beneficial controlled, predictable switching that maintains power efficiency while reducing voltage noise through regular, manageable transition patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for transferring a data signal including receiving a digital data signal by a first data input of a transmitter multiplexer; inverting the digital data signal by a first inverter, thereby providing an inverted digital data signal; receiving the inverted digital data signal by a first inverted data input of the transmitter multiplexer; counting, by a first counter, a clock signal; transmitting, by the first counter and in response to the first counter counting a threshold number of clock cycles, a first selection signal to a first selection signal input of the transmitter multiplexer; and alternately transmitting, in response to the first selection signal and by a first digital data signal output of the transmitter multiplexer, the digital data signal and the inverted digital data signal as the transmitter output signal to a receiver, the receiver and the digital data signal output operably coupled to a data link.