Wire Signal Encoding to Reduce Interconnect Switching Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce the power required to send signals over wires, particularly in scenarios where multiple wires are close together, as existing technologies consume significant power due to capacitance recharging events during signal switching.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that encode signals based on previously received signals to minimize capacitance recharging events, using an encoder to determine and apply encoding schemes that reduce power consumption by optimizing signal switching patterns across multiple wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If signals are sent over multiple wires without encoding, then the signal transmission is simple and fast, but the power consumption is high due to frequent capacitance recharging events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the signal representation parameters. Instead of transmitting raw signal values directly, the encoder transforms them into encoded representations that reduce the frequency and magnitude of voltage transitions on the wires. This parameter transformation reduces capacitance recharging events and thereby lowers power consumption while maintaining the ability to convey the same information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary component between the signal source and the transmission medium. This encoder acts as a mediator that processes the original signals and converts them into optimized encoded signals before transmission. The intermediary encoder reduces the harmful capacitance recharging effects during transmission without losing the essential information content.
2Area of stationary object
If wires are placed close together to increase density, then the area usage is improved, but the power consumption increases due to coupled capacitance effects between adjacent wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the coupled capacitance problem by changing the signal parameters through encoding. The encoder transforms signal patterns to minimize simultaneous switching of adjacent wires, thereby reducing the coupled capacitance effects. This parameter transformation allows dense wire routing while controlling the power consumption caused by inter-wire capacitance coupling.
3Productivity
If signal switching frequency is increased to improve data rate, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases due to more frequent capacitance recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the signal encoding parameters to reduce the effective switching frequency and transition magnitude. The encoder optimizes the temporal and voltage parameters of the transmitted signals, allowing high data rates to be achieved with fewer and smaller voltage transitions, thereby reducing power consumption even as transmission rates increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, computer readable medium, circuits, and method of reducing power in sending signals over two or more wires are disclosed. The method includes receiving two or more signals at a first end of the two or more wires. The method includes determining that the two or more signals should be encoded based at least on a previously received two or more signals. The method includes encoding the two or more signals. Additionally, the method includes sending the encoded two or more signals over the two or more wires. The method may include receiving the sent two or more signals at a second end of the two or more wires, and if the sent two or more signals were encoded, then decoding the two or more signals back to the values of the received two or more signals.