Methods and apparatus for low power out-of-band communications
US8713338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A signal generator circuit for reducing power consumption of out-of-band message communications between a first device including the signal generator circuit and a second device coupled to the first device comprises a switching circuit and a controller coupled to the switching circuit. The controller is operative to receive a reference clock signal and at least a first control signal indicative of a request for the first device to send a message to the second device when the first device is in a first mode of operation. The controller generates an output control signal and an output data signal. The output control signal is operative as a function of the first control signal to selectively power up the switching circuit and a transmitter driver during the first mode. The output data signal includes the message supplied to the transmitter driver for transmission to the second device during the first mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.