Low-Power Communication Circuit with Wakeup Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems, such as USB communication apparatus, face challenges in reducing power consumption, especially during idle states or when rejecting incoming packets, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and reduced device performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication circuit with a power control system that includes a wakeup detector and a power control circuit, allowing the communication circuit to transition between low-power and active states based on event detection on the communication link, thereby reducing power consumption during idle periods and rejected packet transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication circuit remains in active state to ensure immediate response to communication events, then the response speed and reliability are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication circuit dynamically transitions between active and low-power states based on communication activity. The circuit enters low-power state during idle periods and wakes up when communication events are detected, optimizing the balance between power consumption and response reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs periodic monitoring of communication links with wakeup detection mechanisms. Instead of continuous operation, the circuit periodically checks for communication events and activates only when necessary, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the communication circuit enters low-power state to reduce power consumption during idle periods, then the power efficiency is improved, but the response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wakeup detector continuously monitors the communication link even when the main communication circuit is in low-power state. This preliminary detection mechanism ensures that the circuit can wake up immediately upon detecting a communication event, minimizing response time while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A wakeup detector acts as an intermediary between the communication link and the main communication circuit. The detector remains active in low-power mode and triggers the main circuit only when communication events are detected, bridging the gap between power saving and rapid response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If power-consuming components are disabled to reduce power consumption during rejected packet transmissions, then the power saving is improved, but the packet processing capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidpacket processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into essential components (wakeup detector, basic packet reception) and non-essential components (full packet processing). Only essential components remain active during rejected packet transmissions, while non-essential components are disabled to save power without affecting basic communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10514747B2Low-power communication apparatus with wakeup detection and associated methods

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 SILICON LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a communication circuit coupled to a communication link, a wakeup detector, and a power control circuit. The communication circuit has a first state and a second state. The power consumption of the communication circuit is lower in the second state than in the first state. The wakeup detector is coupled to the communication link. The wakeup detector generates a wakeup signal to cause the communication circuit to make a transition from the second state to the first state in response to an occurrence of an event on the communication link. The power control circuit selectively supplies power to the communication circuit in response to the wakeup signal.