CN101923527B - Integrated network chip and electronic device - Google Patents
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Abstract
一种整合性网络芯片与电子装置。所述的整合性网络芯片包括至少一个第一存取介面、至少一个第二存取介面、电源管理单元与接口桥接器。第一存取介面与第二存取介面分别提供区域网络联机功能与存储卡存取功能给电子装置。接口桥接器通过提供集线器功能以整合第一存取介面与第二存取介面。电源管理单元,提供电源与接地给第一存取介面、第二存取介面与介面桥接器。当电源管理单元判断第二存取介面进入功率节省模式时,电源管理单元提供第一电压给第二存取介面。
An integrated network chip and an electronic device. The integrated network chip includes at least one first access interface, at least one second access interface, a power management unit and an interface bridge. The first access interface and the second access interface provide a local area network connection function and a memory card access function to the electronic device respectively. The interface bridge integrates the first access interface and the second access interface by providing a hub function. The power management unit provides power and grounding to the first access interface, the second access interface and the interface bridge. When the power management unit determines that the second access interface enters a power saving mode, the power management unit provides a first voltage to the second access interface.
Description
技术领域 technical field
本发明是有关于整合性网络芯片,且特别是有关于一种整合性网络芯片与使用整合性网络芯片的电子装置。The present invention relates to an integrated network chip, and in particular to an integrated network chip and an electronic device using the integrated network chip.
背景技术 Background technique
目前大部份的笔记型计算机、上网本计算机(Netbook)、行动上网装置(Mobile Internet Device,简称为MID)与智能型手机(Smartphone)通常具有至少一个内建的区域网络模块或至少一个内建的无线区域网络模块,或者甚至具有一个卡片阅读机(Card-reader),若使用者每次都需要外接其它电子设备才能达成此些功能,则将会让使用者感到不方便。如图1所示,图1是一个传统的具有网络功能与卡片阅读机功能的独立封装系统示意图。在图1中,区域网络存取介面120与卡片阅读机存取介面140彼此之间是独立封装的,且分别连接到区域网络介面130与存储卡插槽150。另外,区域网络存取介面120与卡片阅读机存取界面140分别通过周边组件互连(Peripheral Component Interconnect,简称为PCI)介面连接至电子装置110的主机芯片组112。或者,区域网络存取介面120与卡片阅读机存取介面140可分别通过加速版周边组件互连(PCIExpress,简称为PCIe)介面连接至主机芯片组112。然而,这样的电路配置需要至少2个独立的标准介面与至少2个独立的电源供应来源,其中电源供应来源包括电源供应端与接地端。此2个独立的标准介面提供信号输入与信号输出给区域网络存取介面120与卡片阅读机存取介面140,且电源供应来源透过其电源供应端以及接地端与区域网络存取介面120以及卡片阅读机存取介面140耦接,并分别提供电源与接地给区域网络存取介面120与卡片阅读机存取界面140。据此,这样的电路配置占用较多电路配线、芯片接脚与芯片面积,进而导致高封装成本与高功率消耗。At present, most notebook computers, netbook computers (Netbook), mobile Internet devices (Mobile Internet Device, referred to as MID) and smart phones (Smartphone) usually have at least one built-in LAN module or at least one built-in The WLAN module, or even has a card reader (Card-reader), if the user needs to connect other electronic devices every time to achieve these functions, it will make the user feel inconvenient. As shown in Figure 1, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a traditional independent packaging system with network functions and card reader functions. In FIG. 1 , the LAN access interface 120 and the card reader access interface 140 are packaged independently of each other, and are connected to the LAN interface 130 and the memory card slot 150 respectively. In addition, the LAN access interface 120 and the card reader access interface 140 are respectively connected to the host chipset 112 of the electronic device 110 through a peripheral component interconnect (PCI for short) interface. Alternatively, the LAN access interface 120 and the card reader access interface 140 can be respectively connected to the host chipset 112 through an accelerated peripheral component interconnect (PCI Express, referred to as PCIe) interface. However, such a circuit configuration requires at least two independent standard interfaces and at least two independent power supply sources, wherein the power supply sources include a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. These two independent standard interfaces provide signal input and signal output to the LAN access interface 120 and the card reader access interface 140, and the power supply source is connected to the LAN access interface 120 and the LAN access interface 120 through its power supply terminal and ground terminal. The card reader access interface 140 is coupled to provide power and ground to the LAN access interface 120 and the card reader access interface 140 respectively. Accordingly, such a circuit configuration occupies more circuit wires, chip pins and chip area, resulting in high packaging cost and high power consumption.
图2绘示一种利用单一总线连接至电子装置的无线网络卡控制器与卡片阅读机控制器的整合系统。图2所绘示的整合系统210为美国专利申请案第20080172512号所揭露的技术,用来改善上述的状况。整合系统210中利用电源与数据单元252、246之间的通用串行总线(Universal Serial Bus,简称为USB)介面,由电子装置250提供供应电源、接地与信号交换功能给总线介面240,且总线介面240的电源与数据单元246与电子设备250连接以交换或传输数据。另外,总线介面240通过分开的电源与数据单元242、244分别与无线网卡控制器220的电源与数据单元222以及卡片阅读机控制器230的电源与数据单元232连接,并提供电源与接地至无线网卡控制器220与卡片阅读机控制器230,以及与此二控制器(220与230)进行信号交换。然而,此整合系统210仍占用至少3组电源供应与接地及其对应的接脚(pins),因此占用较多电路配线与芯片面积,进而导致高封装成本与功率消耗。FIG. 2 illustrates an integrated system of a wireless network card controller and a card reader controller connected to an electronic device using a single bus. The integrated
发明内容 Contents of the invention
承上所述,根据本发明的示范实施例,本发明提供一种整合性网络芯片与使用此整合性网络芯片的电子装置。整合性网络芯片提供一个具有集线功能的介面装置,将提供区域网络联机功能的第一存取介面与提供存储卡存取功能的第二存取介面连接至电子装置,并且当第二存取介面进入功率节省模式时,提供较低的操作电压给第一存取介面与第二存取介面的中心芯片。据此,减少封装整合性网络芯片的面积、接脚数目与功率消耗。Based on the above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention provides an integrated network chip and an electronic device using the integrated network chip. The integrated network chip provides an interface device with a hub function, which connects the first access interface providing the LAN connection function and the second access interface providing the memory card access function to the electronic device, and when the second access When the interface enters the power saving mode, a lower operating voltage is provided to the core chips of the first access interface and the second access interface. Accordingly, the area, number of pins and power consumption of the packaged integrated network chip are reduced.
根据本发明的示范实施例,本发明提出一种整合性网络芯片,适用于电子装置。整合性网络芯片包括至少一个第一存取介面、至少一个第二存取介面、电源管理单元与介面桥接器。第一存取介面用以提供区域网络联机功能至电子装置,第二存取介面用以提供存储卡存取功能至电子装置。介面桥接器具有至少一第一端与至少一第二端。介面桥接器的第一端与第二端分别耦接至电子装置第一存取介面与第二存取介面,且介面桥接器具有集线功能能够整合第一存取介面与第二存取介面。电源管理单元耦接至第一存取介面、第二存取介面与介面桥接器,用以提供第一电压给第一存取介面以及提供第二电压给第二存取介面。当电源管理单元判断第二存取介面进入一种功率节省模式时,电源管理单元提供第一电压给第二存取介面,而第一电压小于第二电压。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an integrated network chip suitable for electronic devices. The integrated network chip includes at least one first access interface, at least one second access interface, a power management unit and an interface bridge. The first access interface is used to provide the local area network connection function to the electronic device, and the second access interface is used to provide the memory card access function to the electronic device. The interface bridge has at least one first end and at least one second end. The first end and the second end of the interface bridge are respectively coupled to the first access interface and the second access interface of the electronic device, and the interface bridge has a hub function capable of integrating the first access interface and the second access interface . The power management unit is coupled to the first access interface, the second access interface and the interface bridge for providing the first voltage to the first access interface and the second voltage to the second access interface. When the power management unit judges that the second access interface enters a power saving mode, the power management unit provides the first voltage to the second access interface, and the first voltage is smaller than the second voltage.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的整合性网络芯片的第一存取介面为区域网络控制芯片,且第一存取介面耦接至少一区域网络连接器以提供区域网络联机功能至电子装置。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first access interface of the integrated network chip is a LAN control chip, and the first access interface is coupled to at least one LAN connector to provide a LAN connection function to the electronic device.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的整合性网络芯片的第二存取介面为卡片阅读机控制芯片,且耦接至少一卡片阅读机插槽以存取卡片阅读机插槽内的一存储卡,其中,卡片阅读机插槽为一多合卡片阅读机插槽。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second access interface of the above-mentioned integrated network chip is a card reader control chip, and is coupled to at least one card reader slot to access a memory card in the card reader slot , wherein, the card reader slot is a multiple card reader slot.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的整合性网络芯片中,当第一存取介面接收或传送区域网络封包时,上述的第二存取介面处于待命状态。另外,当电子装置欲存取存储卡,且第一存取介面未接收或传送区域网络封包时,电子装置会通过上述的第二存取介面存取存储卡。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the aforementioned integrated network chip, when the first access interface receives or transmits a LAN packet, the aforementioned second access interface is in a standby state. In addition, when the electronic device intends to access the memory card and the first access interface does not receive or transmit the LAN packet, the electronic device will access the memory card through the above-mentioned second access interface.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的电子装置包含计算机主机板,且整合性网络芯片设置于计算机主机板上。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned electronic device includes a computer motherboard, and the integrated network chip is disposed on the computer motherboard.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的整合性网络芯片还包括一组电源管理接脚,其具有一组电源接脚与接地接脚,电源接脚与接地接脚用以接收外部电源与外部接地,其中,介面桥接器、第一存取介面与第二存取介面共享此组电源接脚与接地接脚。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned integrated network chip further includes a set of power management pins, which has a set of power pins and ground pins, the power pins and ground pins are used to receive external power and external ground , wherein, the interface bridge, the first access interface and the second access interface share the group of power pins and ground pins.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的电源管理单元接收该电子装置提供的一系统电源,而系统电源的一电压值为一第三电压,其中电源管理单元将第三电压转换为第一电压和第二电压。另外,电源管理单元提供第三电压给介面桥接器。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned power management unit receives a system power provided by the electronic device, and a voltage value of the system power is a third voltage, wherein the power management unit converts the third voltage into the first voltage and second voltage. In addition, the power management unit provides a third voltage to the interface bridge.
根据本发明的示范实施例,上述的第一电压实质上等于1.2伏特,第二电压实质上等于1.8伏特,而第三电压实质上等于3.3伏特。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned first voltage is substantially equal to 1.2 volts, the second voltage is substantially equal to 1.8 volts, and the third voltage is substantially equal to 3.3 volts.
根据本发明的示范实施例,本发明提出一种电子装置,其包括一主机与一种整合性网络芯片。整合性网络芯片与此主机连接以交换数据,且整合性网络芯片包括至少一个第一存取介面、至少一个第二存取介面、电源管理单元与介面桥接器。第一存取介面用以提供区域网络联机功能至电子装置,第二存取介面用以提供存储卡存取功能至电子装置。介面桥接器具有至少一第一端、至少一第二端与至少一第三端。介面桥接器的第一端、第二端与第三端分别耦接至第一存取介面、第二存取介面与此主机。此外,电源管理单元,耦接至第一存取介面、第二存取介面与介面桥接器,用以提供第一电压给第一存取介面以及提供第二电压给第二存取介面。当电源管理单元判断第二存取介面进入一种功率节省模式时,电源管理单元提供第一电压给第二存取介面,而第一电压小于第二电压。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an electronic device including a host and an integrated network chip. The integrated network chip is connected with the host to exchange data, and the integrated network chip includes at least one first access interface, at least one second access interface, power management unit and interface bridge. The first access interface is used to provide the local area network connection function to the electronic device, and the second access interface is used to provide the memory card access function to the electronic device. The interface bridge has at least one first end, at least one second end and at least one third end. The first terminal, the second terminal and the third terminal of the interface bridge are respectively coupled to the first access interface, the second access interface and the host. In addition, the power management unit is coupled to the first access interface, the second access interface and the interface bridge for providing the first voltage to the first access interface and the second voltage to the second access interface. When the power management unit judges that the second access interface enters a power saving mode, the power management unit provides the first voltage to the second access interface, and the first voltage is smaller than the second voltage.
基于上述,本发明的多个示范实施例提供一种整合性网络芯片与使用此整合性网络芯片的电子装置。整合性网络芯片提供一个具有集线功能的介面桥接器,此介面桥接器用以连接提供区域网络联机功能的第一存取介面与提供存储卡存取功能的第二存取介面至电子装置。另外,当判断第二存取介面进入功率节省模式时,提供较低的运作电压给第二存取介面。据此,减少封装整合性网络芯片的面积、接脚数目、硬件制作成本与功率消耗。Based on the above, several exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated network chip and an electronic device using the integrated network chip. The integrated network chip provides an interface bridge with a hub function, and the interface bridge is used to connect the first access interface providing the LAN connection function and the second access interface providing the memory card access function to the electronic device. In addition, when it is determined that the second access interface enters the power saving mode, a lower operating voltage is provided to the second access interface. Accordingly, the area, number of pins, hardware manufacturing cost and power consumption of the packaged integrated network chip are reduced.
下文特举本发明的示范实施例,并配合所附图式作详细说明如下,以让上述特征和优点能更明显易懂。Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are exemplified below and described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to make the above-mentioned features and advantages more comprehensible.
附图说明 Description of drawings
图1是一个传统的具有网络功能与卡片阅读机功能的独立封装系统示意图。Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a traditional stand-alone packaging system with network functions and card reader functions.
图2是一种利用单一总线连接至电子装置的无线网络卡控制器与卡片阅读机控制器的整合系统的系统示意图。FIG. 2 is a system schematic diagram of an integrated system of a wireless network card controller and a card reader controller connected to an electronic device using a single bus.
图3是根据本发明的一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性网络芯片的系统方块图。FIG. 3 is a system block diagram of an integrated network chip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
图4是根据本发明的另一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性网络芯片的系统方块图。FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of an integrated network chip according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
图5是根据本发明的另一示范实施例所绘示一种具有整合性网络芯片的电子装置的系统方块图。FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of an electronic device with an integrated network chip according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
图6是根据本发明的一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性芯片运作方法的流程图。FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an integrated chip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
符号说明Symbol Description
110、250、310、510:电子装置 112、312、412、512:主机芯片组110, 250, 310, 510:
320、520:整合性网络芯片 120、324:区域网络存取介面320, 520: integrated network chip 120, 324: local area network access interface
140、326:卡片阅读机存取界面 322:总线介面桥接器140, 326: card reader access interface 322: bus interface bridge
130、340:区域网络介面 150、350:存储卡插槽130, 340: local area network interface 150, 350: memory card slot
210:整合系统 410:计算机主机板210: Integrated system 410: Computer motherboard
220:无线网卡控制器 230:卡片阅读机控制器220: Wireless network card controller 230: Card reader controller
240:总线介面 S602~S610:步骤流程240: Bus interface S602~S610: Step process
428:电源管理单元 440:区域网络连接器428: Power Management Unit 440: Area Network Connector
450:多合一卡片阅读机插槽 530:第三存取界面450: All-in-one card reader slot 530: The third access interface
560:第三外围硬件模块560: The third peripheral hardware module
222、232、242、244、246、252:电源与数据单元222, 232, 242, 244, 246, 252: power and data units
具体实施方式 Detailed ways
现在将详细参照所揭露的示范实施例,所述的示范实施例多绘示于附图中,附带一提的是,整个附图中相同的参考标记用于表示相同或相似的组件。Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, many of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate like or like components.
根据本发明的示范实施例,本发明提供一种整合性网络芯片与使用此整合性网络芯片的电路板/电子装置。整合性网络芯片提供一个具有集线功能的介面装置,以连接提供区域网络联机功能的第一存取介面与提供存储卡存取功能的第二存取介面至电子装置。当电子装置进入功率节省模式,提供较低的运作电压给第一存取介面与第二存取介面的中心芯片。具有集线功能的介面装置、第一存取介面与第二存取介面共享相同的电源管理单元及其电源接脚与其接地接脚。除此之外,下列所述的所有示范实施例仅是用以说明,并非用以限定本发明。According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an integrated network chip and a circuit board/electronic device using the integrated network chip. The integrated network chip provides an interface device with a hub function to connect the first access interface providing the LAN connection function and the second access interface providing the memory card access function to the electronic device. When the electronic device enters the power saving mode, a lower operating voltage is provided to the central chip of the first access interface and the second access interface. The interface device with the line gathering function, the first access interface and the second access interface share the same power management unit, its power pin and its ground pin. In addition, all exemplary embodiments described below are for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the present invention.
首先请参照图3,图3是根据本发明的一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性网络芯片的系统方块图。整合性网络芯片320包括总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取界面326。在本示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320通过总线介面桥接器322与电子装置310的主机芯片组312交换多个信号或数据,并且整合性网络芯片320由电子装置310取得一个系统电源(未绘示)。此电子装置310包含一个计算机主机板,且可以为一笔记型计算机、上网本计算机、行动上网装置、个人导航装置(Personal Navigation Device,简称为PND)、个人多媒体播放器(Personal Multimedia Player,简称为PMP)或智能型手机。主机芯片组312执行电子装置310的主要功能,例如上网联机、文书处理与多媒体播放等。总线介面桥接器322与主机芯片组312之间的介面可以为PCI介面或PCIe介面。然而,本发明并不限定于上述,总线介面桥接器322与主机芯片组312之间的介面也可以为其它标准的介面,例如:USB界面。另外,区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326彼此之间也可以通过USB标准介面、PCI标准介面或PCIe标准介面来沟通。Please refer to FIG. 3 first. FIG. 3 is a system block diagram of an integrated network chip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
区域网络存取介面324,用以提供区域网络联机功能至电子装置310,并且耦接至区域网络介面340,此区域网络介面340可以为RJ-45介面标准,或其它区域网络介面标准,例如:无线区域网络介面IEEE 802.11a/b/g。当区域网络存取介面324与区域网络介面340之间传送数据速度为10兆位/秒(Megabits per second,Mbps)或100Mbps时,区域网络存取介面324与区域网络介面340之间使用2个双绞线(twisted pair wires)。当区域网络存取介面324与区域网络介面340之间传送数据速度为千兆位/秒(Gigabits per second,Gbps)以上时,亦即区域网络介面340为一个千兆位区域网络(Gigabit local areanetwork,简称为GLAN)的网络介面,区域网络存取介面324与区域网络介面340之间会使用4个双绞线或者使用光纤传输数据。The
卡片阅读机存取介面326,用以提供存储卡存取功能至电子装置310,并且耦接至存储卡插槽350。此存储卡插槽350为一个多合一卡片阅读机插槽,例如:七合一卡片阅读机插槽,并可以支持多种存储卡格式标准,例如:多媒体存储卡(MultiMediaCard,简称为MMC)标准、存储棒卡(Memory Stickcard,简称为MS Card)标准或保全数字卡(Secure Digital card,简称为SD card)标准。另外,在其它示范实施例中,卡片阅读机存取介面326与存储卡插槽350之间的介面也可以为保全数字输入输出(Secure Digital Input/Output,简称为SDIO)标准的介面。The card
图4是根据本发明的另一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性网络芯片的系统方块图。整合性网络芯片320的总线介面桥接器322具有第一端、第二端与第三端,总线介面桥接器322的第一端、第二端与第三端分别耦接至区域网络存取介面324、卡片阅读机存取介面326与计算机主机板410的主机芯片组412(或是一个计算机主机)。另外,总线介面桥接器322具有集线功能,因此整合性网络芯片320透过总线介面桥接器322便能够整合区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326。换句话说,总线介面桥接器322排定卡片阅读机存取介面326与区域网络存取介面324传送数据至计算机主机的顺序,总线介面桥接器322甚至可能转换卡片阅读机存取介面326与区域网络存取介面324所传送数据的格式,使其数据的格式为计算机主机可以存取的格式。值得一提的是,在本示范实施例中,总线介面桥接器322与计算机主机芯片组412之间使用PCIe介面,故此计算机主机芯片组412使用一组差动信号线TXP与TXN来传送数据至总线介面桥接器322,而计算机主机芯片组412使用另一组差动信号线RXP与RXN接收由总线介面桥接器322发送的数据。FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of an integrated network chip according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
在本示范实施例中,计算机主机板410除了计算机主机芯片组412还包括中央处理器芯片、内存模块以及其它电源管理模块。计算机主机板的电路技术为熟悉本领域的人士所公知,故在此不叙述其相关细节。In this exemplary embodiment, the
在本示范实施例中,总线介面桥接器322的第一端可以是PCIe介面时,且总线介面桥接器322的第二端与第三端亦可以是PCIe介面,但总线介面桥接器322的第一端、第二端与第三端所使用的介面并非用以限定本发明。更详细的说明,总线介面桥接器322与卡片阅读机存取介面326之间使用一组差动信号线TXP0与TXN0来传送数据至卡片阅读机存取介面326,而总线介面桥接器322使用另一组差动信号线RXP0与RXN0接收由卡片阅读机存取介面326发送的数据。另外,总线介面桥接器322使用一组差动信号线TXP1与TXN1来传送数据至区域网络存取介面324,而总线介面桥接器322使用另一组差动信号线RXP1与RXN1接收由区域网络存取介面324所发送的数据。In this exemplary embodiment, when the first end of the
在本示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320还包括一个电源管理单元428与一组电源管理接脚(未绘示)。电源管理单元428耦接至总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326,用以提供电源与接地给总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326。电源管理单元428还执行其它与功率控制有关的功能。另外,上述的一组电源管理接脚,用以接收外部电源(未绘示)与外部接地(未绘示),并作为总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326的多个共享电源接脚与一个共享接地接脚。换言之,总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326共享同一组电源接脚与接地接脚。据此,整合性网络芯片320的封装方式可以至少节省一组PCIe介面,并将整体封装的接脚的数目减少。举例说明,若区域网络存取介面324与卡片阅读机存取介面326原本分别为两个具有48接脚的芯片,通过上述的整合性网络芯片320的整合方式与共享电源管理的机制,经采用PICe介面并适当整合后的整合性网络芯片320仅需要64个接脚。另外,在其它示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320还可以采用USB介面或PCI介面,不过当采用PICe介面在支持SDIO介面与GLAN网络介面时,整合性网络芯片320会具有较好的功率管理效能与较高的数据传输速度。In this exemplary embodiment, the
在本示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320与计算机主机芯片组412的运作原理大致如以下所述。当整合性网络芯片320通过区域网络存取介面324接收区域网络封包或传送区域网络封包时,卡片阅读机存取界面326处于待命状态。另外,当计算机主机板410欲存取存储卡的内容,且区域网络存取介面324未接收区域网络封包以及第一组介面未传送区域网络封包时,计算机主机板410会通过上述的卡片阅读机存取介面326透过卡片阅读机存取介面326来存取存储卡。In this exemplary embodiment, the operating principles of the
在此实施例中,当电子装置提供一系统电源给整合性网络芯片320时,电源管理接脚从接收系统电源(电压值例如为3.3V),而由于电源管理接脚(未绘示)是连接至电源管理单元428,所以电源管理单元亦收到同一电压值的系统电源。电源管理单元428进而将系统电源转换为第一电压(电压值例如为1.2V)并提供此第一电压给区域网络存取介面324的中心(Core)芯片,以及电源管理单元428将系统电源转换为第二电压(电压值例如为1.8V)并提供此第二电压给卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片。电源管理单元428所提供给区域网络存取介面324的中心芯片的第一电压,仅能维持区域网络存取介面324的输出输入(Input/Output,简称为I/O)运作,而电源管理单元428所提供给卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片的第二电压,仅能维持卡片阅读机存取介面326的I/O运作。电源管理单元428亦提供具第三电压的电源(电压值例如3.3V)给总线介面桥接器322。在此实施例中,由于系统电源的电压与第三电压同值,因此电源管理单元428不需要进行电压转换。In this embodiment, when the electronic device provides a system power to the
当电源管理单元428判断可以进入功率节省模式时,电源管理单元428提供第一电压(实质上比第二电压低)给卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片。举例而言,卡片阅读机存取介面326在功率节省模式时接收到的电压为低于第二电压(电压值例如1.8V)的第一电压(电压值例如1.2V),而1.2V的电压虽不能使卡片阅读机存取介面326正常运作,但是可以让其处于待命模式。据此,可以降低卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片的操作电压值,并进而减少整合性网络芯片320的整体功率消耗。更精确地说,当整合性网络芯片320采用PCIe介面且进入功率节省模式时,整合性网络芯片320采用一种深层休眠模式(Deep slumber mode,简称为DSM)。当整合性网络芯片320采用USB介面时,且进入功率节省模式时,整合性网络芯片320采用一种选择性暂停(Selective Suspend)模式。另外,可以通过在计算机主机板410运作的韧体(未绘示)来判别目前区域网络存取介面324或卡片阅读机存取介面326是否正在传送数据或接收数据,以进一步判断是否进入功率节省模式。再者,假设在卡片阅读机存取介面326停止传送数据或接收数据,且维持此状态超过一个预设等待时间后,则电源管理单元428判定可以进入功率节省模式。当电源管理单元428判断卡片阅读机存取介面326进入功率节省模式时,电源管理单元428会提供第一电压给第二存取介面。然而本发明并不限定于上述,还可以采用其它方法来判断与整合性网络芯片320相连接的电子装置是否进入功率节省模式,或整合性芯片320本身或其组件是否可以进入功率节省模式,且此类判断方法为熟悉本领域的人士所公知,故在此不叙述其相关细节。When the
在本示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320设置于计算机主机板410上。然而本发明并不限定于此,在其它示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片320还可以通过外部连接介面与计算机主机板410或电子装置310连接。In this exemplary embodiment, the
图5是根据本发明的另一示范实施例所绘示一种具有整合性网络芯片的电子装置的系统方块图。请参照图5,在本示范实施例中,电子装置510包括主机芯片组512(其内部有主要系统芯片)、中央处理器(未绘示)、内存模块(未绘示)与整合性网络芯片520。主机芯片组512,用以执行电子装置510的主要功能,例如逻辑运算与档案管理功能等。整合性网络芯片520与电子装置510的主机芯片组412连接,并交换多个信号或数据。且整合性网络芯片520与图4的整合性网络芯片420大致上相类似,除了以下所述的差异点。FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of an electronic device with an integrated network chip according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIG. 5 , in this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 510 includes a host chipset 512 (which has a main system chip inside), a central processing unit (not shown), a memory module (not shown) and an integrated network chip 520. The host chipset 512 is used to execute the main functions of the electronic device 510, such as logic operations and file management functions. The integrated network chip 520 is connected with the
在本示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片520更包括一个第三存取介面530。第三存取介面530耦接至第三外围硬件模块560,用以提供其它功能至电子装置510。总线介面桥接器322具有集线功能能够整合区域网络存取介面324、卡片阅读机存取介面326与第三存取界面330。总线介面桥接器322的第四端耦接至第三存取界面530。电源管理单元328也耦接至第三存取介面330,且提供共享电源与共享接地给总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324、卡片阅读机存取界面326与第三存取介面330(如提供第四电压给第三存取介面330)。另外,整合性网络芯片520的一组电源管理接脚(未绘示),也作为总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324、卡片阅读机存取界面326与第三存取介面330的多个共享电源接脚与一个共享接地接脚。此外,总线介面桥接器322还通过一组差动信号线TXP2与TXN2来传送信号至第三存取介面530,而总线介面桥接器322使用另一组差动信号线RXP2与RXN2接收由第三存取介面530所发送的信号。In this exemplary embodiment, the integrated network chip 520 further includes a third access interface 530 . The third access interface 530 is coupled to the third peripheral hardware module 560 for providing other functions to the electronic device 510 . The
然而本发明并不限定于上述,在其它示范实施例中,整合性网络芯片还可以包括超过3个存取介面以提供电子装置不同的功能,例如:录像、录音或接收全球定位系统(Global Positioning System,简称为GPS)的信号的功能。整合性网络芯片的总线介面桥接器需要依据所须连接的存取介面,提供适当数目的连接端。例如在第三示范实施例中,除了主机芯片组412之外,总线介面桥接器322尚须与其它三个存取介面连接,故此需要至少四个连接端。However, the present invention is not limited to the above. In other exemplary embodiments, the integrated network chip can also include more than three access interfaces to provide different functions of the electronic device, such as: video recording, recording or receiving GPS (Global Positioning System, referred to as GPS) signal function. The bus interface bridge of the integrated network chip needs to provide an appropriate number of connection terminals according to the access interface to be connected. For example, in the third exemplary embodiment, in addition to the
电子装置510提供系统电源给整合性网络芯片520,由电源管理单元428透过电源管理接脚接收,电源管理单元428并依照总线介面桥接器322、区域网络存取介面324、卡片阅读机存取界面326以及第三存取介面530的电源需求转换系统电源的电压并分别输出。The electronic device 510 provides system power to the integrated network chip 520, which is received by the
当电源管理单元428侦测电子装置510进入功率节省模式时,电源管理单元428提供第一电压(实质上比第二电压及第四电压低)给卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片以及第三存取介面530的中心芯片。在其它实施例中,如果第二电压实质上比第四电压低,电源管理单元428亦可在提供第一电压给卡片阅读机存取介面326时提供第二电压给第三存取介面530。据此,可以降低卡片阅读机存取介面326的中心芯片以及第三存取介面530的中心芯片的操作电压值,并进而减少整合性网络芯片520以及电子装置510的整体功率消耗。When the
图6是根据本发明的一示范实施例所绘示一种整合性芯片运作方法的流程图。请参照图6,在本示范实施例中,整合性芯片运作方法600由步骤S602开始。在步骤S604中,总线介面桥接器322侦测区域网络存取介面324的运作活动状态,在步骤S604后,继续进行步骤S606。在步骤S606中,若是总线介面桥接器322侦测到区域网络存取介面324正在传送数据至区域网络连接器340或由区域网络存取介面324接收网络连接器340的数据时,则卡片阅读机存取介面326保持在待命状态,并且返回至步骤S602。相反地,在步骤S606中,若总线介面桥接器322没有侦测到区域网络存取介面324正在传送数据至区域网络连接器340或由区域网络存取介面324接收网络连接器340的数据时,且电子装置510尝试存取存储卡内的数据时,电子装置510通过卡片阅读机存取介面326来存取多合一卡片阅读机插槽中存储卡内的数据,亦即传送数据至存储卡或接收存储卡内的数据。FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an integrated chip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIG. 6 , in this exemplary embodiment, the integrated
综上所述,根据本发明的多个示范实施例,本发明的多个示范实施例提供一种整合性网络芯片与使用此整合性网络芯片的电子装置。整合性网络芯片提供一个具有集线功能的介面桥接器,此介面桥接器用以连接提供区域网络联机功能的第一存取介面与提供存储卡存取功能的第二存取介面至电子装置。当电子装置进入功率节省模式,提供较低的运作电压给第一存取介面与第二存取界面。另外,介面桥接器、第一存取介面与第二存取介面电源管理单元共享相同的电源管理单元及其电源接脚与其接地接脚。据此,可以减少封装整合性网络芯片的面积、接脚数目、硬件制作成本与功率消耗。To sum up, according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, several exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated network chip and an electronic device using the integrated network chip. The integrated network chip provides an interface bridge with a hub function, and the interface bridge is used to connect the first access interface providing the LAN connection function and the second access interface providing the memory card access function to the electronic device. When the electronic device enters the power saving mode, a lower operating voltage is provided to the first access interface and the second access interface. In addition, the interface bridge, the power management unit of the first access interface and the power management unit of the second access interface share the same power management unit, its power pin and its ground pin. Accordingly, the area of the packaged integrated network chip, the number of pins, the hardware manufacturing cost and the power consumption can be reduced.
虽然已以示范实施例揭露如上,然其并非用以限定本发明的可实施方式,任何所属技术领域中具有通常知识者,在不脱离所揭露实施例的精神和范围内,当可作些许的更动与润饰,故保护范围当视后附的权利要求所界定的内容为准。Although the exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above, they are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the art can make some modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Changes and retouching, so the scope of protection should be based on the content defined in the appended claims.
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CN101101583A (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-09 | 友劲科技股份有限公司 | PCI-Express multi-mode expansion card and communication device with the same |
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EP1012692B1 (en) * | 1996-11-04 | 2004-06-23 | Mobility Electronics, Inc. | System for power supply of computer peripherals |
CN1719429A (en) * | 2004-07-05 | 2006-01-11 | 技嘉科技股份有限公司 | A device and method for automatically installing a universal serial bus interface |
CN101101583A (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-09 | 友劲科技股份有限公司 | PCI-Express multi-mode expansion card and communication device with the same |
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