Wake-Up Signalling via Voltage Pulses on Two-Wire Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with two-wire connections face challenges in waking up client or host devices from idle mode without an active high-speed link, as the normal means of communication is deactivated during power-down modes, preventing bidirectional signaling.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using the state controllers of both devices to detect and generate voltage or current pulses, allowing bidirectional signaling even in low-power modes, enabling wake-up signals without activating high-speed data controllers, using circuits that generate and detect voltage drops or current pulses to transition devices from idle to active states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If devices enter idle mode to save power by disabling data controllers, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to communicate wake-up signals bidirectionally is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functionality by separating wake-up signaling from high-speed data communication. The wake-up function uses a simplified protocol operating at lower speeds through the same two-wire connection, allowing devices to remain in idle mode while still receiving wake-up signals. This segmentation enables power savings without completely disabling communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wake-up protocol that operates independently of the high-speed data controllers. This intermediary mechanism uses basic signal recognition and state transition capabilities that remain active during idle mode, serving as a mediator between power-saving requirements and wake-up signaling needs.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If high-speed data controllers are deactivated during idle mode, then power consumption decreases, but bidirectional communication for wake-up signals becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of communication by switching from high-speed data transmission mode to low-speed wake-up signaling mode. During idle state, the system uses simplified signaling with lower bandwidth requirements, changing the speed, protocol complexity, and data rate parameters to enable communication with minimal power consumption while preserving wake-up functionality.
3Reliability
If devices maintain full communication capability while in active state, then wake-up signaling is reliable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up signaling bursts rather than continuous high-speed communication. Devices can enter idle mode and be woken up through periodic wake-up signals when needed, maintaining reliability for wake-up functionality while avoiding continuous power consumption associated with sustained high-speed data controller operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for performing wake-up signalling between a host device and a client device of a communication system, said host and said client device being in a two-wire connection (1) with each other and at least one of said host and said client device being in an idle state, said host and said client device each comprising a data controller (3) arranged for data communication control and a power state controller (5) arranged to switch the device between at least an active state and said idle state, whereby the data controller of said at least one of said host and client device is disabled during the idle state. The method comprises - generating in the power state controller of said host or client device a wake-up signal and transmitting said wake-up signal via said two-wire connection to the other device, said other device being in said idle state, - detecting said wake-up signal with said power state controller (5) of said other device and, upon said detecting, setting a control signal to transition said other device out of said idle state.