Low-power control circuit of controller and control method thereof, controller, and device

CN116679603BActive Publication Date: 2026-10-16GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310756515.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-25
Publication Date
2026-10-16
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]有鉴于此,本发明提供了一种控制器的低功耗控制电路及其控制方法、控制器、设备,以解决相关技术中控制器在待机模式的低功耗实现方案中依然会存在较高功耗的问题

Benefits of technology

[0045] Because the standby power consumption of the compressor controller in an air conditioner and range hood combo is much higher than that of the range hood motor controller when in standby mode, the overall power consumption of the air conditioner and range hood combo can be reduced by using the controller with lower standby power consumption as the main controller to control the standby power consumption of the controller with higher standby power consumption, thus saving energy.

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Abstract

The application relates to the field of power electronics, and discloses a low-power consumption control circuit of a controller, a control method of the low-power consumption control circuit, the controller and equipment. The circuit comprises a first controlled switch, an amplification circuit and a third controlled switch. The control end of the first controlled switch is connected with the output end of the amplification circuit and the first end of the third controlled switch respectively. The first end is connected with a power supply, and the second end is connected with the power supply end of the controller. The input end of the amplification circuit is connected with the communication end of the controller. The control end of the third controlled switch is connected with the control signal output end of the controller, and the second end is grounded. The third controlled switch is used for maintaining the first controlled switch to be turned on according to the control signal output by the control signal output end. The standby control of the controller is realized through the communication line of the controller, the amplification circuit and the third controlled switch, the self-waking function of the controller is realized, the additional control line for realizing the waking function is avoided, the overall cost is reduced, and the zero power consumption is realized.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power electronics technology, specifically to low-power control circuits and control methods for controllers, controllers, and devices. Background Technology

[0002] In the use of home appliances, the demand for high energy efficiency is receiving increasing attention from users. The application of low-power technology in controllers is a key technical requirement. However, the existing low-power solutions in the industry mainly rely on the standby low-power mode of the controller chip itself. This method can only reduce power consumption to a certain extent, and the controller still has high power consumption in standby mode, making it difficult to achieve zero power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a low-power control circuit and control method for a controller, as well as a controller and device, to solve the problem that the controller still has high power consumption in the low-power implementation scheme of standby mode in related technologies.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a low-power control circuit for a controller, comprising: a first controlled switch, an amplifier circuit, and a third controlled switch, wherein,

[0005] The control terminal of the first controlled switch is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit and the first terminal of the third controlled switch, respectively. The first terminal is connected to the power supply, and the second terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the controller.

[0006] The input terminal of the amplifier circuit is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, and is used to control the first controlled switch to operate according to the communication signal received by the communication terminal;

[0007] The control terminal of the third controlled switch is connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller, and the second terminal is grounded. The third controlled switch is used to maintain the first controlled switch on by outputting a control signal according to the control signal output terminal. The controller outputs the control signal at the control signal output terminal when powered on, and stops the output of the control signal at the control terminal according to the communication signal.

[0008] By using the first controlled switch to control the power supply of the controller, and utilizing the controller's communication line, the controller is controlled in standby mode through an amplifier circuit and a third controlled switch. Once a communication signal occurs between the controllers, there will inevitably be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, realizing the controller's self-wake-up function. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces the overall cost, and improves the versatility of communication line materials. When the controller receives a standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit stops working and outputs a control signal through the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the controller and its load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the amplification circuit includes: an operational amplifier, a third resistor, and a capacitor;

[0010] The two input terminals of the operational amplifier are respectively connected to the two ends of the third resistor;

[0011] One end of the third resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the controller and one end of the capacitor, and the other end is connected to an external communication line. The other end of the capacitor is grounded.

[0012] When the controller communicates with the outside world, the communication line will have high and low level changes. By setting a third resistor and a capacitor, when the level is high, the communication line charges the capacitor through the third resistor, and when the level is low, the capacitor discharges through the third resistor. According to Ohm's law, the third resistor will have a certain voltage change during this process. After being amplified by an operational amplifier, the first controlled switch is turned on, so that the controller is connected to the power supply to realize the self-wake-up function in standby mode.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the amplifier circuit includes: a comparator;

[0014] The first input terminal of the comparator is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, the second input terminal is connected to an external reference signal, and the output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch.

[0015] Therefore, when the controller communicates with the outside world, the communication line will have high and low level changes. When the level is high, the comparator compares with the set reference signal and outputs a high level signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, so that the controller is connected to the power supply and realizes the self-wake-up function in standby mode.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, the low-power control circuit of the controller further includes: a fourth resistor;

[0017] One end of the fourth resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, and the other end is connected to the first input terminal of the comparator and the external communication line, respectively.

[0018] Thus, the current limiting function of the controller communication line is achieved by setting a fourth resistor.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the first controlled switch is a MOS transistor, the gate of which is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit and the first terminal of the third controlled switch, the source of which is connected to the power supply, and the drain of which is connected to the power supply terminal of the controller.

[0020] Thus, the power supply control of the controller is achieved by using the switching on and off of the MOSFET.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the third controlled switch is a transistor, with its base connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller, its emitter grounded, and its collector connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch.

[0022] By connecting the transistor to the controller's control terminal, the first controlled switch is kept on according to the controller's power supply status, ensuring the controller's normal power supply. The controller also controls the output of the control signal to the control terminal through the communication signal received by the controller, thereby cutting off the first controlled switch and thus cutting off the controller's power supply.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the communication terminal of the controller is connected to the communication terminal of an external main controller via a communication line, and the main controller outputs a corresponding communication signal according to the current power consumption requirements of the controller.

[0024] The power consumption of the controller is controlled by sending a communication signal corresponding to the current power consumption requirement to the external main controller via a communication line.

[0025] In one optional implementation, when the current power consumption requirement is to enter a low-power mode, the communication signal is an empty signal and the control signal is empty; when the current power consumption requirement is to exit a low-power mode, the communication signal is a high-low level signal and the control signal is a high level signal.

[0026] Thus, by using an empty communication signal to control the controller to enter a low-power mode, the controller's standby control is achieved; and by using a high or low level communication signal to control the controller to exit the low-power mode, the controller's wake-up control is achieved.

[0027] In one alternative implementation, the low-power control circuit of the controller further includes: a fifth resistor and a sixth resistor;

[0028] One end of the fifth resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the external main controller, and the other end is connected to one end of the communication line and one end of the sixth resistor. The other end of the sixth resistor is connected to a DC power supply.

[0029] Thus, by setting the fifth and sixth resistors, the current limiting function of the main controller communication line is achieved.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a low-power control method for a controller, applied to a low-power control circuit of a controller according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof, the method comprising:

[0031] Obtain the controller's current power consumption requirement;

[0032] Based on the current power consumption requirement, a corresponding communication signal is generated, and the communication signal is loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement.

[0033] By using the first controlled switch to control the power supply of the controller, and utilizing the controller's communication line, the controller is controlled in standby mode through an amplifier circuit and a third controlled switch. Once a communication signal occurs between the controllers, there will inevitably be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, realizing the controller's self-wake-up function. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces the overall cost, and improves the versatility of communication line materials. When the controller receives a standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit stops working and outputs a control signal through the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the controller and its load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0034] In one optional implementation, when the current power consumption requirement is to enter a low-power mode, generating a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirement and loading the communication signal onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement, includes:

[0035] Based on the low-power mode, a corresponding empty signal is generated and loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit to stop the amplifier circuit from working. When the controller receives the empty signal, it stops outputting the control signal from the control terminal to turn off the third controlled switch. When the first controlled switch is turned off, the controller is powered off and enters the low-power mode.

[0036] By using an empty signal to control the amplifier circuit to stop working, and by outputting a control signal from the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, the power supply to the controller is cut off, so that the controller and its load circuit enter a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0037] In one optional implementation, when the current power consumption requirement is to exit low-power mode, the step of generating a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirement and loading the communication signal onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement, includes:

[0038] Based on the exit from low-power mode, corresponding high and low level signals are generated and loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the amplifier circuit works to control the first controlled switch to be turned on, the controller restores power supply, the control terminal of the controller outputs a control signal to turn on the third controlled switch, maintains the first controlled switch on, and the controller enters normal operation mode.

[0039] By utilizing the controller's communication lines and employing high and low level communication signals to control the amplifier circuit, the first controlled switch is turned on, restoring the controller's power supply and enabling standby wake-up control. Furthermore, the controller outputs a control signal from its control terminal while powered on to control the third controlled switch, thereby maintaining the first controlled switch on and ensuring the stability of the controller's power supply. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces overall costs, and improves the versatility of communication cables.

[0040] Thirdly, the present invention provides a controller, comprising: a controller and a low-power control circuit of the controller of the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof.

[0041] By using the first controlled switch to control the power supply of the controller, and utilizing the controller's communication line, the controller is controlled in standby mode through an amplifier circuit and a third controlled switch. Once a communication signal occurs between the controllers, there will inevitably be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, realizing the controller's self-wake-up function. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces the overall cost, and improves the versatility of communication line materials. When the controller receives a standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit stops working and outputs a control signal through the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the controller and its load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0042] Fourthly, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a main controller, a controller, and a low-power control circuit for the controller as described in the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof. The communication terminal of the main controller is connected to the communication terminal of the controller. The main controller comprises: a memory and a processor, which are communicatively connected to each other. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to perform the low-power control method of the controller as described in the second aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof.

[0043] By setting up two controllers, a main controller and a control controller, and using the communication line between the two controllers, the power cut-off control of the high-power controller can be realized, achieving true low power consumption, while simultaneously reducing costs and energy waste.

[0044] In one alternative embodiment, the device is an integrated air conditioner and range hood, the controller is used to drive the compressor, and the main controller is used to drive the range hood motor.

[0045] Because the standby power consumption of the compressor controller in an air conditioner and range hood combo is much higher than that of the range hood motor controller when in standby mode, the overall power consumption of the air conditioner and range hood combo can be reduced by using the controller with lower standby power consumption as the main controller to control the standby power consumption of the controller with higher standby power consumption, thus saving energy. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-power control circuit of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a low-power control method for a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific operation process of the low-power control of the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the main controller in the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] In the use of home appliances, the demand for high energy efficiency is receiving increasing attention from users. The application of low power consumption technology in controllers is a key technical requirement. However, the existing low power consumption solutions in the industry mainly rely on the standby low power consumption mode of the controller chip itself. This method can only reduce power consumption to a certain extent, and the controller still has high power consumption in standby mode, making it difficult to achieve zero power consumption.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low-power control circuit embodiment for a controller is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the low-power control circuit of the controller includes:

[0056] The first controlled switch MOS1, the amplifier circuit 102, and the third controlled switch Q1, wherein...

[0057] The control terminal of the first controlled switch MOS1 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit 102 and the first terminal of the third controlled switch Q1, respectively. The first terminal is connected to the power supply V15, and the second terminal is connected to the power supply terminal V15-1 of the controller 1.

[0058] The input terminal of the amplifier circuit 102 is connected to the communication terminal of the controller 1, and is used to control the operation of the first controlled switch MOS1 according to the communication signal received by the communication terminal;

[0059] The control terminal of the third controlled switch Q1 is connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller 1, and the second terminal is grounded. The third controlled switch Q1 is used to output a control signal according to the control signal output terminal to maintain the first controlled switch MOS1 on. When the controller 1 is powered on, the control signal output terminal outputs a control signal. The controller 1 stops outputting the control signal according to the communication signal.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the power supply V15 is set to 15V as an example. In practical applications, the specific value of the power supply V15 can be set according to the actual needs of the controller 1, and the invention is not limited thereto. The controller 1 is the controller 1 of an electrical device such as a household appliance. The controller 1 is connected to the load of the household appliance and is used to control the power supply to the load. When the household appliance is a range hood, the corresponding load can be a range hood motor, etc. When the household appliance is an air conditioner, the corresponding load can be a compressor, etc. This is just an example, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] For example, the controller 1 can be a control chip such as an MCU or a microcontroller. This is just an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] The low-power control circuit of the controller 1 provided in this embodiment of the invention controls the power supply of the controller 1 by using the first controlled switch MOS1. Utilizing the communication line of the controller 1, the amplifier circuit 102 and the third controlled switch Q1 perform standby control of the controller 1. Once a communication signal occurs between the controllers 1, there will inevitably be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit 102 detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch MOS1 to conduct, realizing the self-wake-up function of the controller 1. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces overall cost, and improves the versatility of communication line materials. When the controller 1 receives a standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit 102 stops working and outputs a control signal through the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch Q1 to turn off, thereby cutting off the power supply V15 of the controller 1, causing the controller 1 and its load circuit to enter a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0063] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the amplifier circuit 102 includes: an operational amplifier U3, a third resistor R3, and a capacitor C1; the two input terminals of the operational amplifier U3 are respectively connected to the two ends of the third resistor R3; one end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the communication terminal of the controller 1 and one end of the capacitor C1, and the other end is connected to the external communication line, while the other end of the capacitor C1 is grounded. Thus, when the controller 1 transmits communication signals with the outside world, the communication line will experience high and low level changes. By setting the third resistor R3 and capacitor C1, when the level is high, the communication line charges the capacitor C1 through the third resistor R3; when the level is low, the capacitor C1 discharges through the third resistor R3. According to Ohm's law, the third resistor R3 will experience a certain voltage change during this process. This voltage change is amplified by the operational amplifier U3, which controls the first controlled switch MOS1 to conduct, enabling the controller 1 to connect to the power supply and achieve the self-wake-up function in standby mode.

[0064] Specifically, the types of the third resistor R3 and capacitor C1 mentioned above are related to the signal frequency of the communication line, and are generally in the ohm and pF ranges. The specific selection can be calculated using the formula f = 1 / (2π*R*C) based on the actual signal frequency. The operational amplifier's gain is typically chosen to be 50-100 times to ensure the first controlled switch MOS1 is turned on; however, this invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, the above-mentioned amplifier circuit can also use operational amplifier chips or amplifier circuits with equivalent functions; this invention is not limited to this either.

[0065] In some other alternative embodiments, the amplifier circuit 102 includes: a comparator ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram); the first input of the comparator is connected to the communication terminal of the controller 1, the second input is connected to an external reference signal, and the output is connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch MOS1. Thus, when the controller 1 communicates with the outside world, the communication line will experience high and low level changes. When the level is high, the comparator compares the signal with the set reference signal and outputs a low-level signal to control the first controlled switch MOS1 to turn on, thereby connecting the controller 1 to the power supply and realizing the self-wake-up function in standby mode.

[0066] For example, the aforementioned external reference signal can be a low-level signal. When the communication signal is a high-level signal, the comparator outputs a low-level signal to drive the first controlled switch MOS1 to turn on. Furthermore, in practical applications, the external reference signal can also be a specific set voltage value. The first controlled switch MOS1 is driven to turn on by comparing the voltage across a voltage sampling resistor input to the comparator with the set voltage value. This set voltage value can be flexibly set according to the actual resistance value of the voltage sampling resistor, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] In some alternative implementations, the low-power control circuit of controller 1 further includes: a fourth resistor ( Figure 1 (not shown in the diagram); one end of the fourth resistor is connected to the communication terminal of controller 1, and the other end is connected to the first input terminal of the comparator and the external communication line, respectively.

[0068] Specifically, the resistance value of the fourth resistor can be flexibly set according to the current requirements of the communication line of controller 1 to ensure the normal operation of the communication line; however, this invention is not limited thereto. Thus, the current limiting function of the communication line of controller 1 is achieved by setting the fourth resistor.

[0069] In some optional embodiments, the first controlled switch MOS1 is a MOSFET. The gate of the MOSFET is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit 102 and the first terminal of the third controlled switch Q1, respectively. The source is connected to the power supply V15, and the drain is connected to the power supply terminal V15-1 of the controller 1. Thus, the power supply control of the controller 1 is realized by using the conduction and cutoff of the MOSFET.

[0070] It should be noted that in practical applications, the first controlled switch MOS1 can also be selected from transistors, relays, or controllable switching devices with the same switching effect as MOS transistors. This invention is not limited to this. The specific circuit connection method of other selections of the first controlled switch MOS1 can be adjusted according to the adaptability of the circuit structure and switching effect principle of the MOS transistor in the embodiments of this invention, and will not be elaborated here.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, the third controlled switch Q1 is a transistor. The base of the transistor is connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller 1, the emitter is grounded, and the collector is connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch MOS1. Thus, by using the transistor connected to the control terminal of the controller 1, the first controlled switch MOS1 is kept on according to the power supply status of the controller 1, ensuring the normal power supply to the controller 1. Furthermore, the controller 1 uses the communication signals received to control the output of the control signal to the control terminal, thereby cutting off the first controlled switch MOS1 and thus disconnecting the power supply V15 of the controller 1.

[0072] It should be noted that in practical applications, the third controlled switch Q1 mentioned above can also be selected from MOSFETs, relays, or controllable switching devices with the same switching effect as transistors. This invention is not limited to this. The specific circuit connection method of other selections of the second controlled switch can be adjusted according to the adaptability of the transistor circuit structure and switching effect principle of this invention embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0073] In some optional implementations, the communication terminal of controller 1 is connected to the communication terminal of an external main controller 2 via a communication line. The main controller 2 outputs a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirements of controller 1. Thus, power consumption control of controller 1 is achieved by the external main controller 2 sending a communication signal corresponding to the current power consumption requirements to the main controller 2 via the communication line.

[0074] Specifically, when the current power consumption requirement is to enter low-power mode, the communication signal is empty and the control signal is empty; when the current power consumption requirement is to exit low-power mode, the communication signal is a high-low level signal and the control signal is a high level signal. Thus, by using an empty communication signal to control controller 1 to enter low-power mode, the standby control of controller 1 is achieved; and by using a high-low level communication signal to control controller 1 to exit low-power mode, the wake-up control of controller 1 is achieved.

[0075] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the low-power control circuit also includes: a fifth resistor R5 and a sixth resistor R4;

[0076] One end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the communication terminal of the external main controller 2, and the other end is connected to one end of the communication line and one end of the sixth resistor R4. The other end of the sixth resistor R4 is connected to the DC power supply Vdd.

[0077] Specifically, the resistance values ​​of the fifth resistor R5 and the sixth resistor R4 can be flexibly set according to the current requirements of the controller's communication line to ensure the normal operation of the communication line; however, this invention is not limited to this. Thus, by setting the fifth resistor R5 and the sixth resistor R4, the current limiting function of the main controller's communication line is achieved.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low-power control method for a controller is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0079] This embodiment provides a low-power control method for a controller, applicable to, for example... Figure 1 The low-power control circuit 101 of the controller shown contains a main controller 2, such as an MCU or microcontroller, that sends communication signals to controller 1. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a low-power control method for a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0080] Step S201: Obtain the current power consumption requirement of the controller.

[0081] Specifically, the current power consumption requirements include entering low-power mode and exiting low-power mode. Entering low-power mode means the controller enters standby mode, and exiting low-power mode means waking up the controller to enter normal operating mode.

[0082] Step S202: Generate a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirement, and load the communication signal onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit so that the controller can operate according to the current power consumption requirement.

[0083] Thus, the power supply to the controller is controlled by the first controlled switch. The controller's communication line is used, and the controller is controlled in standby mode by the amplifier circuit and the third controlled switch. Once a communication signal is generated between the controllers, there will be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, and realizes the controller's self-wake-up function. This avoids the need for an additional control line to achieve the wake-up function, reduces the overall cost, and improves the versatility of the communication line. When the controller receives the standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit stops working and controls the third controlled switch to turn off by outputting a control signal from the stop control terminal, thereby cutting off the power supply to the controller and its load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0084] Specifically, when the current power consumption requirement is to enter low power mode, a corresponding empty signal is generated based on entering low power mode. The empty signal is loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit to make the amplifier circuit stop working. When the controller receives the empty signal, it stops outputting control signals from the control terminal to turn off the third controlled switch and the first controlled switch. The controller then powers off and enters low power mode.

[0085] By using an empty signal to control the amplifier circuit to stop working, and by outputting a control signal from the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, the power supply to the controller is cut off, so that the controller and its load circuit enter a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0086] Specifically, when the current power consumption requirement is to exit the low-power mode, a corresponding high and low level signal is generated based on the exit low-power mode. The high and low level signals are loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the amplifier circuit works to control the first controlled switch to be turned on. The controller restores power supply, and the controller's control terminal outputs a control signal to turn on the third controlled switch, while maintaining the first controlled switch on. The controller then enters the normal working mode.

[0087] By utilizing the controller's communication lines and employing high and low level communication signals to control the amplifier circuit, the first controlled switch is turned on, restoring the controller's power supply and enabling standby wake-up control. Furthermore, the controller outputs a control signal from its control terminal while powered on to control the third controlled switch, thereby maintaining the first controlled switch on and ensuring the stability of the controller's power supply. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces overall costs, and improves the versatility of communication cables.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a controller embodiment is provided, wherein a controller is provided in this embodiment, such as... Figure 3As shown, the controller includes: controller 1 and a low-power control circuit 101 of the controller provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The controller 1 is used to control the power supply to the connected load. The specific working process and principle of the controller 1 itself are existing technology and will not be described in detail here. For details regarding the low-power control circuit 101 of the controller, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0090] By using the first controlled switch to control the power supply of the controller, and utilizing the controller's communication line, the controller is controlled in standby mode through an amplifier circuit and a third controlled switch. Once a communication signal occurs between the controllers, there will inevitably be a change in voltage level. The amplifier circuit detects the voltage in the communication line, amplifies the output signal to control the first controlled switch to turn on, realizing the controller's self-wake-up function. This avoids the need for additional control lines to achieve the wake-up function, reduces the overall cost, and improves the versatility of communication line materials. When the controller receives a standby communication signal, the amplifier circuit stops working and outputs a control signal through the stop control terminal to control the third controlled switch to turn off, thereby cutting off the power supply to the controller and its load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device embodiment is provided, in which a controller is provided, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the device includes: a main controller 2, a controller 1, and as shown in the figure. Figure 1 The low-power control circuit 101 shown is illustrated. The communication terminal of the main controller 2 is connected to the communication terminal of the controller 1. For details on the operation of the main controller 2, please refer to [example missing]. Figure 2 The description of the low-power control method embodiment of the controller shown will not be repeated here.

[0092] By setting up two controllers, a main controller and a control controller, and using the communication line between the two controllers, the power cut-off control of the high-power controller can be realized, achieving true low power consumption, while simultaneously reducing costs and energy waste.

[0093] Specifically, in practical applications, the above-mentioned equipment is an integrated air conditioner and range hood unit, with controller 1 used to drive the compressor and main controller 2 used to drive the range hood motor.

[0094] Because the standby power consumption of the compressor controller in an air conditioner and range hood combo is much higher than that of the range hood motor controller when in standby mode, the overall power consumption of the air conditioner and range hood combo can be reduced by using the controller with lower standby power consumption as the main controller to control the standby power consumption of the controller with higher standby power consumption, thus saving energy.

[0095] In practical applications, by keeping the device in standby mode when the user does not need to turn it on, the standby power consumption of the entire device can be reduced by cutting off the power supply to the controller with high standby power consumption. This can improve the energy efficiency level of the product. For example, if the standby power is reduced from 4W to below 2W, the overall energy efficiency of the device can be improved from level three to level one.

[0096] The working principle and process of the low-power control circuit and control method of the controller provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with specific application examples.

[0097] For example Figure 1 Taking the circuit structure shown as an example, this embodiment of the invention utilizes the communication line between controllers and a low-power cutoff circuit composed of a first controlled switch, along with an amplifier circuit, to constantly monitor the communication signal status of the communication line. Once a communication signal is transmitted, the communication line will experience high and low level changes. When the level is high, the communication line charges the capacitor through the third resistor; when the level is low, the capacitor discharges through the third resistor. A certain current change exists across the third resistor. According to Ohm's law, a certain voltage change will exist across the third resistor. This voltage change is then amplified by a certain factor by the amplifier circuit to the turn-on voltage of the first controlled switch, enabling it to conduct. This connects V15 and V15-1, providing power to V15-1. This achieves the self-wake-up function in the controller's standby mode without wasting communication resources.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the control logic of the controller's wake-up mode is as follows: When the main controller 2 is running, it needs to wake up the controller 1. It sends a communication signal (high / low level signal) to the controller 1. When the controller 1 receives the high / low level communication signal on its communication line, at a high level, the communication line charges capacitor C1 through resistor R3; at a low level, C1 discharges through R3. Since there is a certain current change in R3, according to Ohm's law, there will be a certain voltage change across R3. This voltage change is then amplified by U3 to the turn-on voltage of MOS1, causing MOS1 to conduct and connecting V15 and V15-1, thus powering V15-1. V15-1 supplies power to the main control chip of the controller 1. The control line is set high by the controller 1, keeping Q1 conducting, thus keeping MOS1 conducting and maintaining the connection between V15 and V15-1, continuously supplying power to the main control chip and load circuit of the controller 1. Once the controller 1 is woken up, it enters normal operation and receives the remaining high / low level signals on the communication line.

[0099] like Figure 5As shown, the control logic for the controller to enter low-power mode is as follows: The main controller 2 requires controller 1 to enter a completely power-off low-power mode. The main controller 2 sends a low-power mode entry command to controller 1 via the communication line. Upon receiving the command, controller 1 sets the control line to a low level, Q1 is cut off, and the communication line stops transmitting high and low level signals. U3 has no response. At this time, Q1 and U3 have no output, MOS1 is cut off, and the connection between V15 and V15-1 is disconnected. The main control chip and load circuit of controller 1 enter a power-free state, achieving true low power consumption. The next step is to wait for the main controller 2 to wake it up via the communication line. An amplifier circuit monitors the signal on the communication line for changes. Once a change in level occurs, the low-power controller is woken up, and its power supply is restored without occupying communication resources. This method of using standby self-cutoff and external communication monitoring to wake up controls the connection and disconnection of the power supply, controller, and load circuit, allowing the controller and load circuit to enter a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0100] This invention utilizes the changes in communication signal level during communication between controllers, employing an amplifier circuit to detect these changes. Once a signal is detected, the controller immediately wakes up the power supply to provide power to the controller and load circuit. After receiving power, the controller outputs a control signal to maintain the first controlled switch on, ensuring normal power supply. When the controller receives a standby command, it controls the first controlled switch to turn off, disconnecting the power supply circuit between the controller and the load circuit, thus putting the controller's main control chip and the load circuit into a power-free state, achieving true zero power consumption.

[0101] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main controller 2 provided in an optional embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the main controller 2 includes one or more processors 10, memory 20, and interfaces for connecting the components, including high-speed interfaces and low-speed interfaces. The components communicate with each other via different buses and can be mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise installed as needed. The processors can process instructions executed within the computer device, including instructions stored in or on memory to display graphical information of a GUI on external input / output devices (such as display devices coupled to the interface). In some alternative implementations, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used with multiple memories and multiple memory modules, if desired. Similarly, multiple computer devices can be connected, each providing some of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server array, a group of blade servers, or a multiprocessor system). Figure 6 Take a processor 10 as an example.

[0102] Processor 10 may be a central processing unit, a network processor, or a combination thereof. Processor 10 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The programmable logic device may be a complex programmable logic device (CAMP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose array logic (GDA), or any combination thereof.

[0103] The memory 20 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 10 to cause at least one processor 10 to perform the method shown in the above embodiments.

[0104] The memory 20 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the computer device. Furthermore, the memory 20 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some alternative embodiments, the memory 20 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0105] The memory 20 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory 20 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0106] The main controller 2 also includes a communication interface 30 for the main controller chip to communicate with other devices or communication networks.

[0107] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The methods described above according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or firmware, or implemented as recordable on a storage medium, or implemented as computer code originally stored on a remote storage medium or a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and subsequently stored on a local storage medium after being downloaded via a network. Thus, the methods described herein can be processed by software stored on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory, hard disk, or solid-state drive, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory. It is understood that computers, processors, microprocessor main control chips, or programmable hardware include storage components capable of storing or receiving software or computer code. When the software or computer code is accessed and executed by the computer, processor, or hardware, the methods shown in the above embodiments are implemented.

[0108] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A low-power control circuit for a controller, characterized in that, include: The first controlled switch, the amplifier circuit, and the third controlled switch, wherein, The control terminal of the first controlled switch is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit and the first terminal of the third controlled switch, respectively. The first terminal is connected to the power supply, and the second terminal is connected to the power supply terminal of the controller. The input terminal of the amplifier circuit is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, and is used to control the first controlled switch to operate according to the communication signal received by the communication terminal; The control terminal of the third controlled switch is connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller, and the second terminal is grounded. The third controlled switch is used to maintain the first controlled switch on by outputting a control signal according to the control signal output terminal. The controller outputs the control signal at the control signal output terminal when powered on, and stops the output of the control signal at the control terminal according to the communication signal.

2. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplifier circuit includes: an operational amplifier, a third resistor, and a capacitor; The two input terminals of the operational amplifier are respectively connected to the two ends of the third resistor; One end of the third resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the controller and one end of the capacitor, and the other end is connected to an external communication line. The other end of the capacitor is grounded.

3. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplifier circuit includes: a comparator; The first input terminal of the comparator is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, the second input terminal is connected to an external reference signal, and the output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch.

4. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Fourth resistor; One end of the fourth resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the controller, and the other end is connected to the first input terminal of the comparator and the external communication line, respectively.

5. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first controlled switch is a MOS transistor. The gate of the MOS transistor is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit and the first terminal of the third controlled switch, the source is connected to the power supply, and the drain is connected to the power supply terminal of the controller.

6. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third controlled switch is a transistor. The base of the transistor is connected to the control signal output terminal of the controller, the emitter is grounded, and the collector is connected to the control terminal of the first controlled switch.

7. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The controller's communication terminal is connected to the communication terminal of an external main controller via a communication line. The main controller outputs a corresponding communication signal based on the controller's current power consumption requirements.

8. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the current power consumption requirement is to enter low power mode, the communication signal is empty and the control signal is empty. When the current power consumption requirement is to exit low power mode, the communication signal is a high-low level signal, and the control signal is a high level signal.

9. The low-power control circuit of the controller according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The fifth and sixth resistors; One end of the fifth resistor is connected to the communication terminal of the external main controller, and the other end is connected to one end of the communication line and one end of the sixth resistor. The other end of the sixth resistor is connected to a DC power supply.

10. A low-power control method for a controller, applied to a low-power control circuit of the controller as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the controller's current power consumption requirement; Based on the current power consumption requirement, a corresponding communication signal is generated, and the communication signal is loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the current power consumption requirement is to enter a low-power mode, the step of generating a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirement and loading the communication signal onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement, includes: Based on the low-power mode, a corresponding empty signal is generated and loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit to stop the amplifier circuit from working. When the controller receives the empty signal, it stops outputting the control signal from the control terminal to turn off the third controlled switch. When the first controlled switch is turned off, the controller is powered off and enters the low-power mode.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the current power consumption requirement is to exit low-power mode, the step of generating a corresponding communication signal based on the current power consumption requirement and loading the communication signal onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the controller operates according to the current power consumption requirement, includes: Based on the exit from low-power mode, corresponding high and low level signals are generated and loaded onto the communication terminal of the controller and the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, so that the amplifier circuit works to control the first controlled switch to be turned on, the controller restores power supply, the control terminal of the controller outputs a control signal to turn on the third controlled switch, maintains the first controlled switch on, and the controller enters normal operation mode.

13. A controller, characterized in that, include: The low-power control circuit of the controller as described in any one of claims 1-9.

14. A device, characterized in that, include: The main controller, the controller, and the low-power control circuit of the controller as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the communication terminal of the main controller is connected to the communication terminal of the controller; The main controller includes a memory and a processor, which are communicatively connected to each other. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to perform the low-power control method of the controller according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The device is an integrated air conditioner and range hood unit. The controller is used to drive the compressor, and the main controller is used to drive the range hood motor.

Citation Information

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