Voltage Regulator for High-Speed Differential Serial Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed differential serial links in low power devices face limitations in integration and miniaturization due to significant power consumption, which is not adequately reduced by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a voltage regulating device and control circuitry that adjusts the interconnect power levels in high-speed differential serial links by providing a regulated supply voltage to the driver based on a control signal, allowing for reduced power consumption while maintaining characteristic impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-speed differential serial links are used for data transmission, then power consumption is reduced compared to parallel buses, but power consumption remains a major factor limiting integration and miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling by introducing a voltage regulating device that adjusts the supply voltage to the driver based on control signals. The system transitions from fixed voltage operation to dynamic voltage adjustment, allowing the interconnect power level to be adapted according to specific data transmission requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making power consumption controllable rather than fixed, enabling better integration as power usage can be optimized for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage level) of the differential serial link by inserting a voltage regulating device between the voltage supply and the driver. The regulator provides a regulated supply voltage that can be adjusted to different levels, thereby changing the interconnect power level from its fixed value. This parameter change enables reduced power consumption while maintaining proper signal transmission, addressing the integration limitation caused by fixed power consumption levels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage regulating device is added to adjust interconnect power levels, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage regulating device as an intermediary component between the voltage supply and the driver. This mediator adjusts the voltage level to achieve the desired interconnect power level while isolating the driver from direct voltage supply variations. The control circuitry acts as another intermediary that generates control signals based on transmission requirements. These intermediary components enable power reduction while managing the added complexity through functional separation and controlled integration.
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
Substantially reduces power consumption in high-speed differential serial links, enabling increased integration, miniaturization, and extended battery life in portable devices by dynamically adjusting interconnect power levels according to specific data transmission requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulating device in communication with a voltage supply port of a driver of a high-speed differential serial link is provided. The voltage regulating device receives at a control port a control signal indicative of a predetermined regulated voltage for provision to the driver
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to adjustment of interconnect power levels in high-speed differential serial links. In an example embodiment, a digital signal received at a digital input port is converted in a driver into a corresponding differential signal and provided to output ports connected to a differential transmission line for provision to a receiver. For adjusting the interconnect power levels between the driver and the receiver a voltage regulator is interposed between a voltage source and the driver. The voltage regulator provides regulated supply voltage to the driver. In operation, the voltage regulator receives from control circuitry a control signal indicative of a predetermined regulated voltage for provision to the driver for a pre-selected type of data transmission. In dependence upon the received control signal the voltage regulator selects the corresponding reference voltage and provides it to the driver. The adjustment of interconnect power levels is highly beneficial by enabling a substantial reduction of power consumption.