Sleepmode activation in a slave device
US6393572B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/32
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a master-slave configuration wherein a sleepmode activation is effected by the cessation of a clocking signal, the need for an analog device or auxiliary clock for detecting the cessation of the clocking signal is obviated by anticipating the cessation of the clock signal. Upon anticipating the cessation of the clock signal, the remaining clock signaling before cessation is used as required to effect a controlled power-down of the slave device. By eliminating the need for an analog clock cessation detector, the process tolerance constraints associated with analog circuitry can be avoided, the reliability and robustness of the design is improved, and the required testing is simplified, thereby reducing the cost of the device. In like manner, the elimination of an auxiliary clock generator reduces the cost and complexity of the device and system, and improves the device and system's overall reliability and testability. In accordance with this invention, the anticipation of the cessation of the clock signal is achieved by monitoring the communications among devices for commands that can be expected to affect the generation of the clock signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.