System and method for dynamically configuring a serial data link in a display device

• Main Authors: WYATT DAVID, STEARS DAVID MATTHEW, CHEN LIANGHAO
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.02.2014
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; PHYSICS

A technique is disclosed for dynamically reconfiguring a digital video link based on previously determined link training parameters. Reusing the previously determined link training parameters enables a no link training (NLT) protocol for quickly configuring the digital video link without the need for repeating a link training process. A display device advertises NLT capabilities information to a GPU indicating it can retain link characteristics for one or more link configurations. The GPU uses the NLT capabilities information to determine whether the display device is able to quickly transition to a specific link configuration using the NLT protocol, or to switch between configurations. The NLT capability allows a link to be advantageously quiesced and restored quickly while the GPU is transitioning in and out of power-saving sleep states, or placing the link in a more power efficient configuration, or higher-bandwidth higher-performance configuration. Additionally, the NLT capability allows a source to determine if the link configuration can be changed quickly while the display device retains the image, and thus can continue to present a constant screen for uninterrupted viewing.