Intelligent electronic power controller

A method for controlling power of a device, the device having operational logic, the method comprising:

• detecting a communication signal over an interface intended for the operational logic of the device, the operational logic having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the operational logic consuming more power in the first mode of operation than in the second mode of operation, the communications signal being detected when the operational logic is in the second mode of operation and requiring that the operational logic be in a first mode of operation;
• storing state values for the first mode of operation of the operational logic when the operational logic is in the second mode of operation;
• storing the communication signal when the communication signal is detected;
• and
• enabling the operational logic to enter the first power mode of operation.

A device, comprising:

• operational logic response to communication signals over an interface for performing input/output operations, the operational logic providing a first and second mode of operation, the second mode of operation consuming less power than the first mode of operation;
• and
• power control logic controlling the operational logic when the operational logic is in the second mode of operation, the power control logic being coupled to the communication signals over the interface and enabling the operational logic to enter the first mode of operation when the power control logic detects a communication signal over the interface that requires the operational logic to be in the first mode of operation, the power control logic including:
• a status register storing status information of the operational logic when the operational logic is in the first mode of operation, and
• monitor logic generating a control signal in response to the communication signal over the interface that requires the operating logic to be in the first mode of operation,
• the monitor logic further generating a read signal in response to a status read communication signal over the interface, and the status register outputting the status information in response to the read signal.

A method for controlling power of a device, the device having operational logic, the method comprising:

• detecting a communication signal over an interface intended for the operational logic of the device, the operational logic having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the operational logic consuming more power in the first mode of operation than in the second mode of operation, the communications signal being detected when the operational logic is in the second mode of operation and requiring that the operational logic be in a first mode of operation;
• storing status information of the operational logic when the operational logic is in the second mode of operation;
• generating a read signal in response to a status read communication signal over the interface;
• outputting the status information in response to the read signal;
• storing the communication signal when the communication signal is detected;
• and
• enabling the operational logic to enter the first power mode of operation.