RECYCLING CURRENT IN DATA TRANSMISSION

Embodiments of present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for current recycling. The electronic device comprises a transmission line, a bias resistor and a DC bias electrical connection. The transmission line is configured to transmit data. The bias resistor is coupled to the transmission line. The DC bias electrical connection is coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The DC bias electrical connection is configured to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line. By utilizing embodiments herein, the electronic device recycles current during data transmission to save power.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a technology of current recycling and more particularly, to an electronic device and a method for recycling current in a data transmission system.

BACKGROUND

In wired data transmission systems, data is generally transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver via a data transmission line. In some cases, the data transmission line needs to be biased at a certain DC to facilitate the data transmission. For example, in a positive emitter-biased logic (PECL) system, the transmission line may be biased at a DC voltage of 5V or 3.3 V.

In conventional approaches, the transmission line is generally coupled to a bias resistor, and the bias resistor is in turn coupled to a terminal bias voltage source providing a terminal DC bias voltage to the bias resistor. The terminal DC bias voltage (terminal bias voltage) is generally lower than the DC bias voltage of the transmission line. For example, the transmission line may be biased at 3.3V, and the terminal bias voltage received at the bias resistor may be 1.3V, such that a current flows through the bias resistor.

During operation, the terminal bias voltage source consumes power, and heat is generated by the terminal bias voltage source and the bias resistor. The accumulated heat may cause potential damages, such as aging or failure to the wired data transmission system, which is usually implemented on a circuit board. Improved solutions of data transmission systems are still needed.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution of electronic device and a method for recycling current.

In a first aspect, it is provided an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a transmission line, a bias resistor and a DC bias electrical connection. The transmission line is configured to transmit data. The bias resistor is coupled to the transmission line. The DC bias electrical connection is coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The DC bias electrical connection is configured to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line.

In a second aspect, it is provided a method for recycling current in data transmission. The method comprises transmitting data through a transmission line coupled to a bias resistor. The method further comprises providing the bias resistor with a terminal bias voltage at a load via a DC bias electrical connection.

In a third aspect, it is provided a method for manufacturing an electronic device. The method comprises providing a transmission line configured to transmit data. The method further comprises providing a bias resistor coupled to the transmission line. The method further comprises providing a DC bias electrical connection coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The DC bias electrical connection is configured to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the solution according to embodiments of the present disclosure is to save power consumption and reduce heat accumulation in the wired data transmission system.

Throughout the drawings, the same or corresponding reference symbols refer to the same or corresponding parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to several example embodiments. These embodiments are discussed only for the purpose of enabling those skilled persons in the art to better understand and thus implement the subject matter described herein, rather than suggesting any limitations on the scope of the subject matter.

The term “comprises” or “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to.” The term “or” is to be read as “and/or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on.” The term “being operable to” is to mean a function, an action, a motion or a state can be achieved by an operation induced by a user or an external mechanism. The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment.”

Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Furthermore, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. In the description below, like reference numerals and labels are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the Figures. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

As describe above, conventional approaches for proving a terminal bias voltage to a data transmission line of a data transmission system requires an independent DC terminal bias voltage source.FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of a conventional electronic device100. The electronic device100comprises a data transmitter10, a data receiver20and a pair of differential data transmission lines X2and X3coupling the data transmitter10to the data receiver20. The data may be transmitted from the data transmitter10to the data receiver20via the pair of differential data transmission lines X2and X3.

The electronic device100further comprises a load30, such as a micro controlling unit (MCU) or other electronic components. In this case, the load30may be directly or indirectly coupled to the data receiver20.

The electronic device100further comprises a first voltage source18to supply a voltage VOUTto the load30, such that the load30may operate with the supplied voltage VOUT. In an embodiment, the first voltage source18may be a DC-DC converter or low dropout regulator (LDO). It should be known that the load30may be a set of electronic components supplied with various voltages. Thus, at least one voltage converter (not shown) may be provided to convert the voltage VOUTfrom the first voltage source18to the various voltages and to provide the various voltages to the set of electronic components.

The electronic device100further comprises a second voltage source17to provide a terminal bias voltage Vbiasvia a pair of bias resistors13and14. For the purpose of data transmission, the data transmission lines X2and X3may be biased at a certain DC line voltage, which is usually greater than the terminal bias voltage Vbias. The DC line voltage for the transmission lines may be supplied with the power supply for the data transmitter10and/or the data receiver20. Alternatively, the DC line voltage for the transmission lines may be supplied with an external DC line voltage independent from the power supply for the data transmitter10and/or the data receiver20.

As described above, the terminal bias voltage Vbiasmay be below the DC line voltage. For example, the data transmitter10and the data receiver20may operate with a voltage Vcc, also being the DC line voltage, while the terminal bias voltage Vbiasmay be Vcc−ΔV, in which ΔV may be 2V for example. As such, there is a current constantly flowing through the pair of bias resistors13and14to the second voltage source17, causing energy dissipated on the bias resistors13and14and the second voltage source17.

Assuming that the terminal bias voltage Vbiasis 1.3V, and the current flowing through the second voltage source17is 14 mA, the power consumed on the second voltage source17is 18.2 mW. In other words, power of 18.2 mW is wasted and turned into heat.

In some embodiments, it is proposed an improved solution for recycling current in a data transmission system. The data transmission system couples a bias resistor to a load at a terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17or similar DC terminal bias voltage sources can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistor can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram implementing an electronic device200in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device200comprises a data transmission system comprising a data transmitter10, a data receiver20and a single-end data transmission line X1coupling the data transmitter10to the data receiver20on a circuit board. The data may be transmitted from the data transmitter10to the data receiver20via the single-end data transmission line X1.

The electronic device200further comprises a load30, such as a micro controlling unit (MCU) or other electronic components. In this case, the load30may be directly or indirectly coupled to the data receiver20.

The electronic device200further comprises a first voltage source18to supply a voltage VOUTto the load30, such that the load30may operate with the supplied voltage VOUT. In an embodiment, the first voltage source18may be a DC-DC converter or low dropout regulator (LDO). It should be known that the electronic device200may include other loads supplied with various voltages. Thus, at least one voltage converter (not shown) may be provided to convert the voltage VOUTfrom the first voltage source18to the various voltages and to provide the various voltages to the other loads.

The electronic device200further comprises a DC bias electrical connection to couple a node at the voltage VOUTto the bias resistor12. Although the bias resistor12is illustrated, this is only for illustration without suggesting any limitation to the scopes of the disclosure herein. Other resistive devices may be applied here as well.

In an embodiment, the DC bias electrical connection may comprise a switch S1. The switch S1may be controlled by a signal Ctrl from a MCU of the electronic device200. In case the signal Ctrl is asserted, the switch S1is turned on to provide the voltage VOUTas the terminal bias voltage to the bias resistor12. In case the signal Ctrl is de-asserted, the switch S1is turned off to disconnect the voltage VOUTfrom the bias resistor12. The MCU may determine whether DC bias current flows through the single-end data transmission line X1. If the DC bias current flows through the single-end data transmission line X1, the MCU may set the signal Ctrl to be asserted. If no DC bias current flows through the single-end data transmission line X1, the MCU may set the signal Ctrl to be de-asserted.

In case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line X1, the voltage VOUTis provided to the bias resistor12as a terminal bias voltage Vbias, and in case that no DC bias current flows through the transmission lines X2and X3, the voltage VOUTis not provided to the bias resistor12. As such, it may prevent current sinks from the first voltage source18to the data transmitter10and the data receiver20via the single-end data transmission line X1, and it may further reduce energy dissipation. In another embodiment, the bias resistor may be directly coupled to the load30at the voltage VOUT.

As described above, the terminal bias voltage Vbiasmay be below the DC line voltage, but the terminal bias voltage Vbiasis greater than 0V in an embodiment. For example, the data transmitter10and the data receiver20may operate with a voltage Vcc of 3.3V, which is also the DC line voltage, while the terminal bias voltage Vbiasmay be Vcc−ΔV, in which ΔV may be 2V for example, rendering the terminal bias voltage Vbiasbeing 1.3V.

In an embodiment, the voltage VOUTsupplied to the load30equals to the terminal bias voltage Vbiasrequired at the bias resistor12, or substantially equals to the terminal bias voltage Vbiasrequired at the bias resistor12. Here, the expression “substantially equal to” refer to a scenario that the voltage VOUTmay be from 90% of the terminal bias voltage Vbiasto the 110% of the terminal bias voltage Vbias. Optionally, the expression “substantially equal to” refer to a scenario that the voltage VOUTmay be from 95% of the terminal bias voltage Vbiasto the 105% of the terminal bias voltage Vbias.

Since the voltage VOUTsubstantially equals to the terminal bias voltage Vbiasrequired at the bias resistor12, it may eliminate the voltage source17ofFIG.1by coupling the bias resistor12to a node of the voltage VOUT. As such, an appropriate terminal bias voltage Vbiasis provide at the bias resistor12for biasing the DC voltage of the transmission line X1, without sacrificing energy on the voltage source17ofFIG.1. In addition, since various loads requiring various supply voltages are included in the electronic device200, it is possible to select an appropriate load at the terminal bias voltage to couple to the bias resistor. In case that no bias voltage is available at any of the loads, the electronic device may comprises a voltage converter to convert the voltage VOUTto the terminal bias voltage Vbias, as discussed below.

In some embodiments, with the improved solution as shown inFIG.2, current can be recycled in the data transmission system. The data transmission system couples the bias resistor12to the load30at the terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17ofFIG.1can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistor can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load30to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram implementing an electronic device300in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device300is analogous to the electronic device200, and the same components with same reference numbers operate in a substantially same manner. Thus, description on the same components with same reference numbers will be omitted here for brevity.

In an embodiment, the data transmitter10may be a PECL driver, and the data receiver20may be a PECL receiver. In another embodiment, the data transmitter10may be a PECL driver, and the data receiver20may be a current mode logic (CML) receiver. In a further embodiment, the data transmitter10may be a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) driver, and the data receiver20may be a PECL receiver. Alternatively, other data transmitters and receivers are possible as well.

As compared to the electronic device200ofFIG.2, the electronic device300employs a pair of differential data transmission lines X2and X3to replace the single-end data transmission line X1. Accordingly, a pair of bias resistors13and14are presented inFIG.3to replace the bias resistor12of the electronic device200. Similarly, in the electronic device300, the pair of bias resistors13and14are coupled to the load30at the terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17ofFIG.1can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistor can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load30to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.4illustrates a block diagram implementing an electronic device400in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device400is analogous to the electronic device300, and the same components with same reference numbers operate in a substantially same manner. Thus, description on the same components with same reference numbers will be omitted here for brevity.

As compared to the electronic device300ofFIG.3, the electronic device400further comprises an impedance matching network40between the pair of bias resistors13and14and the switch S1. The impedance matching network40may provide a better effect for high frequency differential communication. In addition, the first voltage source18generates a voltage VIN, which is greater than the terminal bias voltage Vbiasfor the bias resistors13and14and the voltage VOUTfor the load30. The electronic device400further comprises a DC-DC voltage converter50to convert the voltage VINto the voltage VOUTfor the load30.

Similarly, in the electronic device400, the pair of bias resistors13and14are coupled to the load30at the terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17ofFIG.1can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistor can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load30to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.5illustrates an example schematics of impedance matching network40inFIG.4. The impedance matching network40comprise a pair of ferrite beads L1and L2coupled to the pair of the bias resistors13and14, respectively. The pair of ferrite beads L1and L2are coupled to a decoupling capacitor C1and a third ferrite bead L3coupled to the switch S1. The ferrite beads L1, L2and L3are configured with low DC resistance and high AC resistance to ensure the quality of high frequency differential communication. Other configurations for impedance matching network40are possible, as long as they can ensure the quality of high frequency differential communication.

FIG.6illustrates a block diagram implementing an electronic device600in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device600is analogous to the electronic device200, and the same components with same reference numbers operate in a substantially same manner. Thus, description on the same components with same reference numbers will be omitted here for brevity.

As compared to the electronic device200ofFIG.2, the electronic device600employs an external voltage source (not shown) to provide an external voltage Vcc. In case that the external Vcc is suitable for the line voltage of the single-end data transmission line X1, the voltage Vcc may be directly provided to the single-end data transmission line X1. Alternatively, in case that the external Vcc is greater than the line voltage required by the single-end data transmission line X1, the voltage Vcc may be provided to the single-end data transmission line X1via a dividing resistor15.

The dividing resistor15and the bias resistor12together form a voltage divider between the voltage Vcc and the terminal bias voltage Vbiasto generate an suitable voltage at the data transmission line X1. Similarly, in the electronic device600, the bias resistor12is coupled to the load30at the terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17ofFIG.1can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistor12can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load30to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.7illustrates a block diagram implementing an electronic device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device700is analogous to the electronic device600, and the same components with same reference numbers operate in a substantially same manner. Thus, description on the same components with same reference numbers will be omitted here for brevity.

As compared to the electronic device600ofFIG.6, the electronic device700employs a pair of differential data transmission lines X2and X3to replace the single-end data transmission line X1. Accordingly, a pair of bias resistors13and14are presented inFIG.7to replace the bias resistor12of the electronic device600, and a pair of dividing resistors16and19are presented inFIG.7to replace the dividing resistor15of the electronic device600.

As compared to the electronic device600ofFIG.6, the electronic device700further comprises an impedance matching network40between the pair of bias resistors13and14and the switch S1. The impedance matching network40may provide a better effect for high frequency differential communication. In addition, the first voltage source18generates a voltage VIN, which is greater than the terminal bias voltage Vbiasfor the bias resistors13and14and the voltage VOUTfor the load30. The electronic device700further comprises a DC-DC voltage converter50to convert the voltage VINto the voltage VOUTfor the load30.

Similarly, in the electronic device700, the pair of bias resistors13and14are coupled to the load30at the terminal bias voltage, such that the second voltage source17ofFIG.1can be eliminated from the data transmission system, and the current flowing through the bias resistors13and14can be recycled at the load side. As such, the power that was originally consumed by the second voltage source17can be recycled in the load30to save power and reduce heat generated in the data transmission system.

FIG.8is flowchart illustrating a method800for recycling current in an electronic device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device ofFIG.8may be the electronic devices200,300,400,600or700in an embodiment. Thus, the features described with reference toFIGS.2-7may be applied to the method800ofFIG.8.

In802, it is provided to transmit data through a transmission line coupled to a bias resistor. In804, it is provided to provide, in response to current flowing through the transmission line, the bias resistor with a terminal bias voltage at a load via a DC bias electrical connection.

FIG.9is flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electronic device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device ofFIG.9may be the electronic devices200,300,400,600or700in an embodiment. Thus, the features described with reference toFIGS.2-7may be applied to the method900ofFIG.9.

In902, it is provided a transmission line configured to transmit data. In904, it is provided a bias resistor coupled to the transmission line. In906, it is provided a switch coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The switch is configured to be turned on to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage during data transmission through the transmission line.

Hereinafter, some example implementations of the subject matter described herein will be listed.

Item 1. It is provided an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a transmission line, a bias resistor and a DC bias electrical connection. The transmission line is configured to transmit data. The bias resistor is coupled to the transmission line. The DC bias electrical connection is coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The DC bias electrical connection is configured to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage during data transmission through the transmission line.

Item 2. The electronic device of Item 1, wherein the DC bias electrical connection comprises a switch. The switch is configured to be turned on in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line, and the switch is further configured to be turned off in case that no DC bias current flows through the transmission line.

Item 3. The electronic device of any of Items 1-2, wherein the switch comprises an analog switch.

Item 4. The electronic device of any of Items 1-3, further comprising an impedance matching network coupled between the switch and the bias resistor.

Item 5. The electronic device of any of Items 1-4, wherein the transmission line comprises a pair of differential data transmission lines, the pair of differential data transmission lines comprising a first differential data transmission line and a second differential data transmission line; and the bias resistor comprises a first resistor coupled between the first differential data transmission line and the switch and a second resistor coupled between the second differential data transmission line and the switch.

Item 6. The electronic device of any of Items 1-5, further comprising a data transmitter; and a data receiver coupled to the data transmitter via the pair of differential data transmission lines.

Item 7. The electronic device of any of Items 1-6, wherein the data transmitter comprises a positive emitter-coupled logic (PECL) driver or a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) driver; and the data receiver comprises a PECL receiver or a current mode logic (CML) receiver.

Item 8. The electronic device of any of Items 1-7, further comprising a voltage dividing resistor coupled between a power supply and the transmission line.

Item 9. The electronic device of any of Items 1-8, further comprising: a first voltage dividing resistor coupled between a power supply and the first differential data transmission line; and a second voltage dividing resistor coupled between a power supply and the second differential data transmission line.

Item 10 The electronic device of any of Items 1-9, wherein the terminal bias voltage is greater than 0 V.

Item 11. The electronic device of any of Items 1-10, wherein the data transmitter and the data receiver are mounted on a circuit board, with the transmission line coupling, on the circuit board, the transmitter to the data receiver.

Item 12. It is provided a method for recycling current in data transmission. The method comprises transmitting data through a transmission line coupled to a bias resistor; and providing the bias resistor with a terminal bias voltage of a load via a DC bias electrical connection.

Item 13. The method of Item 12, further comprising turning on, in response to transmitting the data, a switch of the DC bias electrical connection coupled between the bias resistor and the load to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage.

Item 14. It is provided a method for manufacturing an electronic device. The method comprises providing a transmission line configured to transmit data; providing a bias resistor coupled to the transmission line; and providing a DC bias electrical connection coupled between the bias resistor and a load at a terminal bias voltage. The DC bias electrical connection is configured to provide the bias resistor with the terminal bias voltage in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line.

Item 15. The method of Claim14, wherein providing a DC bias electrical connection comprises providing a switch. The switch is configured to be turned on in case that DC bias current flows through the transmission line. The switch is further configured to be turned off in case that no data flows through the transmission line.