Long time timing switch circuit

Abstract

This application discloses a long-term timed power-on / off circuit, relating to the field of control circuit technology. The long-term timed power-on / off circuit includes a control unit, an RTC timing chip, and a power management unit, wherein: the RTC timing chip is connected to both the control unit and the power management unit; the control unit is used to configure the RTC timing chip and generate control commands; the RTC timing chip provides a timing function and generates timing signals; the power management unit receives the control commands and supplies power to the load unit; this circuit can achieve long-term timed power-on / off of electronic devices through the high-precision timing function of the RTC timing chip, improving the accuracy and reliability of timed power-on / off, and enhancing the intelligence level and energy efficiency of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of control circuit technology, and in particular to a long-term timed on / off circuit. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of electronic devices in daily life and work, the problems of energy waste and equipment aging caused by their long-term operation are becoming increasingly prominent. Many devices remain powered on even when idle, which not only consumes a lot of electricity but may also shorten the lifespan of the equipment. In addition, some devices need to be turned on and off according to a specific schedule to achieve automated control and energy-saving management, but existing timed on / off solutions have many limitations.

[0003] Currently, timed power-on / off functions mainly rely on simple mechanical timers, software timers, or external timer circuits. However, these methods generally suffer from low timing accuracy, limited functionality, and poor reliability. For example, mechanical timers are easily affected by environmental factors, software timers depend on a continuous power supply to the device, and simple external timer circuits cannot meet complex time control requirements.

[0004] It is evident that current timer switch functions have many shortcomings in terms of timing accuracy, functional diversity, and reliability, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern electronic equipment for long-term, high-precision timer switch control. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a long-term timed power-on / off circuit that can efficiently and reliably realize long-term timed power-on / off control of electronic devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, a long-term timed power-on / off circuit is provided, comprising an RTC timing chip, a control unit, and a power management unit, wherein:

[0007] The control unit is connected to the RTC timing chip and the power management unit, respectively.

[0008] The RTC timing chip is used to provide timing functions and generate timing signals;

[0009] The control unit is used to generate control commands based on the timing signal;

[0010] The power management unit is used to control the power supply on and off according to the control command to supply power to the load unit.

[0011] Optionally, the RTC timing chip includes a high-precision timer and a timer output port;

[0012] The high-precision timer is used to record the current time;

[0013] The timer output port is connected to the control unit, and the timer output port is used to output the timing signal.

[0014] Optionally, the control unit is specifically used for:

[0015] When the RTC timing chip triggers the first timing signal, a power-on control command is output.

[0016] When the RTC timing chip triggers the second timing signal, a shutdown control command is output.

[0017] Optionally, the control unit includes:

[0018] A microprocessor or logic circuit is used to parse the timing signal and generate corresponding control instructions according to preset logic.

[0019] Optionally, the power management unit includes a power switching circuit and a power protection circuit;

[0020] The power switching circuit is used to switch the on / off state of the power supply according to the control command.

[0021] The power protection circuit is used to protect the load unit from damage in the event of a power failure.

[0022] Optionally, the long-term timed power-on / off circuit further includes a power decoupling circuit, wherein the input terminal of the power decoupling circuit is a power input terminal, and the output terminal of the power decoupling circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit.

[0023] The power decoupling circuit includes transistors and capacitors to reduce power supply noise interference.

[0024] Optionally, the long-term timed power-on / off circuit further includes a reset control circuit for controlling the reset operation of the switch circuit via an external signal.

[0025] Optionally, the RTC timing chip communicates with the control unit via an I2C interface;

[0026] The control unit is also used to read real-time clock data and monitor voltage status.

[0027] Optionally, the long-term timed power-on / off circuit also includes an expansion interface for communicating with a GPS module, Bluetooth module, or other external devices.

[0028] Optionally, the high-precision timer employs a 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator.

[0029] This application provides a long-term timed power-on / off circuit, including a control unit, an RTC timing chip, and a power management unit. The RTC timing chip is connected to both the control unit and the power management unit. The control unit is used to configure the RTC timing chip and generate control commands. The RTC timing chip provides a timing function and generates timing signals. The power management unit receives the control commands and supplies power to the load unit. This circuit can achieve long-term timed power-on / off of electronic devices through the high-precision timing function of the RTC timing chip, improving the accuracy and reliability of the timed power-on / off, and enhancing the intelligence level and energy efficiency of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a long-term timed power-on / off circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the power management section of a long-term timed power-on / off circuit based on an RTC timer chip, provided as an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0035] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0036] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a long-term timed power-on / off circuit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the long-term timed power-on / off circuit 100 includes a control unit 110, an RTC timing chip 120, and a power management unit 130, wherein:

[0038] The aforementioned RTC timing chip 120 is connected to the aforementioned control unit 110 and the aforementioned power management unit 130, respectively;

[0039] The aforementioned control unit 110 is used to configure the aforementioned RTC timing chip 120 and to generate control commands to directly control the power management unit 130 to achieve active power-off shutdown.

[0040] The aforementioned RTC timing chip 120 is used to provide timekeeping functions and generate timing signals;

[0041] The power management unit 130 is used to receive the control commands and supply power to the load unit.

[0042] The RTC (Real-Time Clock) mentioned in this application embodiment is an electronic device or circuit module used to record time. It can continuously provide accurate time information (such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second) and can continue to operate even when the system is powered off.

[0043] This application embodiment mainly utilizes an RTC timing chip to construct a long-term timed power-on / off circuit, which can realize long-term timed power-on / off control.

[0044] The long-term timed power-on / off circuit 100 may also include the aforementioned load unit 140.

[0045] In one optional implementation, the RTC timing chip 120 includes a high-precision timer and a timer output port;

[0046] The aforementioned high-precision timer is used to record the current time;

[0047] The timer output port is connected to the control unit 110 and is used to output the timing signal.

[0048] Specifically, the RTC timing chip 120 in this embodiment is mainly responsible for providing high-precision timekeeping functions. The RTC timing chip 120 includes a high-precision timer and a timer output port. The high-precision timer is used to record the current time, and the timer output port is used to output a timing signal at a set time point.

[0049] The control unit 110 is connected to the RTC timing chip 120, and can mainly set and configure the RTC timing chip 120; and can receive the timing signal and generate the control command.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, in addition to the RTC timing chip 120 being able to time the power on and off, the control unit 110, as the main control chip, has a higher priority and can ignore the RTC timing chip 120's power-off timing and directly power off, which allows for greater flexibility in practical applications.

[0051] In one optional implementation, the control unit 110 is specifically used for:

[0052] When the RTC timer chip 120 is detected to trigger the first timing signal, a power-on control command is output.

[0053] When the RTC timer chip 120 is detected to trigger the second timing signal, a shutdown control command is output.

[0054] The control unit 110 can set the time of the RTC timing chip 120. Specifically, the power-on time and / or power-off time can be preset as needed. When the specific time is reached, the control unit 110 detects the timing signal triggered by the RTC timing chip 120 and can output the corresponding control command to realize the power-on and power-off control.

[0055] Optionally, the control unit 110 can communicate with the aforementioned RTC timing chip via the I2C bus to set the time of the RTC timing chip 120.

[0056] Specifically, the control unit 110 can communicate with the RTC timing chip via a standard communication bus, such as the integrated circuit bus (I2C). Figure 2As shown, the bus may include a clock line (MCU_SCL_3V3) and a data line (MCU_SDA_3V3). Through this bus, the control unit 110 can write the current date and time information to the RTC timing chip 120 for calibration. Simultaneously, the control unit 110 also reads the current time or status of the RTC timing chip 120 through this bus. When the RTC timing chip 120 reaches the preset alarm time, it will trigger an interrupt signal pin, i.e. Figure 2 The interrupt signal #INT sends a timing signal to the control unit 110. This interrupt signal #INT is usually an active low signal, meaning that when the preset time is reached, the level of this pin will change from high to low, forming a falling edge or a low-level pulse to notify the control unit 110.

[0057] In one alternative implementation, the control unit 110 may be implemented using a microprocessor or logic circuit, and is capable of parsing timing signals and generating corresponding control commands according to preset logic.

[0058] The power management unit 130 is connected to the control unit 110 and is responsible for managing the power supply according to control commands.

[0059] In one optional implementation, the power management unit 130 may include a power switching circuit and a power protection circuit, wherein the power switching circuit can be used to switch the on / off state of the power supply according to control commands, and the power protection circuit can be used to protect the load unit from damage when the power supply is abnormal.

[0060] The load unit 140 mentioned in this embodiment can be connected to the power management unit 130. Specifically, the load unit 140 can be understood as the core components of the electronic device, such as the processor, memory, and display screen, and is responsible for performing various functions of the electronic device.

[0061] Based on the above circuit structure, this application embodiment can implement a long-term timed power-on / off method, including the following steps:

[0062] 201. Set timer parameters: Users can set timer parameters such as power-on time and power-off time as needed;

[0063] 202. RTC timing chip timing: The RTC timing chip starts timing according to the above timing parameters and accurately records the current time;

[0064] 203. Timing signal output: When the set power-on time is reached, the RTC timing chip triggers the power-on timing signal; when the set power-off time is reached, the RTC timing chip triggers the power-off timing signal.

[0065] 204. Control command generation: After the control unit detects the timing signal from the RTC timing chip, it generates the corresponding power-on control command or power-off control command according to the preset logic.

[0066] 205. Power Management: The power management unit connects or disconnects the power supply according to control commands to realize the timed power-on or power-off function of electronic devices.

[0067] In one optional embodiment, the long-term timed power-on / off circuit further includes a power decoupling circuit, wherein the input terminal of the power decoupling circuit is a power input terminal, and the output terminal of the power decoupling circuit is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit.

[0068] The power supply decoupling circuit described above includes transistors and capacitors, used to reduce power supply noise interference.

[0069] In one optional implementation, the aforementioned long-term timed power-on / off circuit further includes a reset control circuit for controlling the reset operation of the switch circuit via an external signal.

[0070] In one alternative implementation, the aforementioned long-term timed power-on / off circuit further includes an expansion interface for communicating with a GPS module, Bluetooth module, or other external devices.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the power management section of a long-term timed power-on / off circuit based on an RTC timer chip, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0072] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a circuit system based on the IT8563ESA chip, which integrates a real-time clock (RTC), voltage monitoring, and serial interface functions. The main functions of the circuit include:

[0073] Power Management: The power management unit is the mechanism that performs the actual power on / off operations. In this embodiment, it is composed of discrete components, specifically including a main power switch Q1, a control switch Q2, and a pull-up resistor R1. The main power switch Q1 is a P-channel MOSFET, which is used as a high-side switch and connected in series between the positive terminal of the power supply and the load. Specifically, the source of the main power switch Q1 is connected to the backup power supply VBAT_3V7, and its drain is connected to the system load power supply SYS_4V, which directly supplies power to the final load unit. The conduction and cutoff of the P-channel MOSFET are determined by the voltage difference (Vgs) between its gate and source. When the gate voltage is much lower than the source voltage (Vgs is significantly negative), it conducts; when the gate voltage is close to or equal to the source voltage (Vgs is close to 0V), it is cut off. Control switch Q2 is an N-channel MOSFET, used to control the gate level of the main power switch Q1. The gate of control switch Q2 is connected to the control signal MCU_SAIL_CTRL from the control unit, its source is grounded, and its drain is connected to the gate of the main power switch Q1. The conduction and cutoff of the N-channel MOSFET are determined by the voltage difference (Vgs) between its gate and source. When the gate voltage is much higher than the source voltage (Vgs is significantly positive), it conducts; when the gate voltage is close to or equal to the source voltage (Vgs is close to 0V), it is cut off. Pull-up resistor R1 is a high-value resistor (e.g., 1 megohm), connected at one end to the backup power supply VBAT_3V7 and at the other end to the gate of the main power switch Q1. Its function is to reliably pull the gate level of the main power switch Q1 to the power supply voltage when control switch Q2 is off, ensuring its stable cutoff.

[0074] The circuit is supplied with a stable voltage through the VBAT_3V7 and SYS_4V power inputs, which can provide backup battery power and system power respectively.

[0075] Real-time clock: A 32.768kHz crystal oscillator connected to the XTAL1 and XTAL2 pins of the IT8563ESA provides a precise clock signal, enabling real-time clock functionality. This is crucial for applications requiring accurate time measurement.

[0076] Reset Control: The MCU_SAIL_CTRL signal is a control signal output by the control unit. Together with switch Q2, it controls the circuit's reset operation. Switch Q2 can be a transistor (such as NPN or NMOS) or a mechanical switch. This allows for manual or automatic reset triggering, ensuring stable system operation and restoring the system to its initial state when necessary. Optionally, the MCU can directly intervene in the reset process through this signal, enabling dynamic management of the system.

[0077] I2C Communication: The IT8563ESA communicates with a microcontroller (MCU) via an I2C interface (including SCL and SDA pins). This allows the MCU to read real-time clock data, monitor voltage status, and receive interrupt signals from the IT8563ESA.

[0078] Low power design: IQ: 0.4uA indicates that the circuit consumes very little current in standby or low power mode, which helps to extend battery life.

[0079] Interface Expansion: The circuit also provides interfaces for GPS modules and other peripherals (such as 32k8_SYS_CLK), which can be connected to GPS modules, Bluetooth (BLE) modules or other external devices (MCUs, etc.), enhancing the system's scalability and flexibility.

[0080] In summary, this circuit, by integrating the IT8563ESA chip, realizes functions such as power management, real-time clock, reset control, I2C communication, and low-power design, providing a stable and reliable time measurement and power monitoring solution for MCU-based systems.

[0081] In an alternative implementation, a dedicated load switch integrated circuit can be used to replace the discrete component circuit described above in order to realize the function of the power management unit.

[0082] Specifically, this integrated circuit can be a highly integrated power switching device, which typically includes a low on-resistance P-channel or N-channel MOSFET as the main power switch, as well as all the drive circuitry, level shifting logic, and various protection circuitry required to drive the MOSFET.

[0083] Load switch integrated circuits typically have at least three key pins: a power input pin (VIN) for connecting to the main power supply; a power output pin (VOUT) for connecting to the load unit; and an enable pin (EN) for receiving external control signals. In this embodiment, the control command generated by the control unit, i.e., a logic level signal, is directly connected to the enable pin of the load switch integrated circuit.

[0084] Using load switching integrated circuits simplifies circuit design and PCB layout, integrating the functions of multiple discrete components into a small package, saving valuable board space. This integrated circuit can incorporate comprehensive protection functions, such as overcurrent protection and short-circuit protection, greatly improving the stability and safety of the entire power supply system.

[0085] In practical applications, appropriate RTC timing chips, control units, power management units, and load units can be selected and combined according to specific needs. The control logic can be adjusted or other modules can be added or removed as needed to achieve the timed power-on and power-off function. This application does not limit this.

[0086] With precise timing and control logic, the circuits in this application embodiment can be widely used in various electronic devices that require long-term timing control, such as smart home devices, security monitoring devices, and industrial control devices.

[0087] The following are some specific application examples demonstrating how this circuit can function in different fields:

[0088] 1. Vehicle terminal power management

[0089] In the vehicle manufacturing and logistics sectors, there is an urgent need for real-time location tracking of vehicles after they leave the factory. This not only helps monitor the transportation process but also provides necessary data support before the vehicles reach dealers or customers. For commercial vehicles, passenger cars, construction machinery vehicles, or two-wheeled vehicles, batteries are often not provided at the factory. Therefore, on-board terminals (such as trackers, T-BOXs, or central control units) need to have their own spare batteries and be able to achieve long-term location tracking.

[0090] To achieve this goal, the vehicle terminal needs to be able to power on at predetermined intervals (such as daily or weekly) to report the vehicle's location and related information, and then automatically power off after completing the reporting to save power and extend battery life. This requires a high-precision, low-power timed power-on / off circuit to manage the power supply.

[0091] This embodiment employs the aforementioned long-duration timed power-on / off circuit to specifically implement power management for the vehicle-mounted terminal. The user or manufacturer sets the RTC timing chip through the control unit, pre-setting the power-on and power-off time intervals, such as a specific time each day or a certain day of the week. Corresponding control commands are then generated at the preset times. When the RTC timing chip triggers the power-on timing signal, the control unit outputs a power-on control command, the power management unit connects the power supply, and the vehicle-mounted terminal starts up. Optionally, after starting up, the vehicle-mounted terminal can obtain its current location information via the GPS module and report it to the monitoring center via a communication module (such as Bluetooth, 4G, etc.). After reporting is complete, the control unit can output a power-off control command, the power management unit cuts off the power, and the vehicle-mounted terminal enters a low-power mode.

[0092] These application scenarios may include, but are not limited to:

[0093] Vehicle transportation monitoring: Monitor the entire process of vehicles from leaving the factory to delivery to ensure logistics efficiency and safety.

[0094] Vehicle anti-theft: Automatically reports location information when a vehicle is stolen or moved without authorization, assisting in its recovery.

[0095] Vehicle maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance based on vehicle usage and location to improve vehicle operating efficiency and lifespan.

[0096] Through the above embodiments, the vehicle-mounted terminal can achieve long-term, high-precision zero-kilometer location tracking of vehicles after they leave the factory, providing strong support for vehicle logistics, safety and maintenance.

[0097] 2. Smart Home System

[0098] Smart lighting control: In a smart home system, this circuit can be used to control the on / off times of indoor lighting. For example, it can be set to automatically turn on the bedroom lights at 6 a.m. and automatically turn off the living room lights at 11 p.m.

[0099] Smart appliance control: Used to control the on / off times of home appliances such as air conditioners and water heaters. For example, the air conditioner can be set to turn on automatically 30 minutes before the user arrives home, and the water heater can be set to heat water automatically at 7 pm.

[0100] This circuit can prevent equipment from running for extended periods through precise timing control, thereby reducing energy consumption; it also enhances the user experience and enables automated control.

[0101] 3. Security monitoring system

[0102] Scheduled camera activation: In security monitoring systems, this circuit can be used to control the on / off timing of cameras. For example, cameras can be set to automatically activate at night or during specific time periods to save storage space and power.

[0103] Alarm system timed detection: Used to control the timed detection function of the alarm system to ensure that the system is in a high-alert state for a specific period of time.

[0104] This circuit ensures that monitoring equipment works when needed, improves monitoring efficiency, reduces unnecessary equipment uptime, and lowers energy consumption.

[0105] 4. Industrial automation equipment

[0106] Scheduled equipment maintenance: In industrial automation systems, this circuit can be used to control scheduled equipment maintenance. For example, equipment can be set to automatically perform maintenance operations every Monday morning to ensure its normal operation.

[0107] Production line timed start: Used to control the start and stop times of the production line. For example, setting the production line to automatically start at 8:00 AM and automatically stop at 8:00 PM on weekdays.

[0108] This circuit ensures that the equipment operates at the optimal time, reducing downtime; it also prevents the equipment from operating during non-working hours, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the above-described device and module can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of modules is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. The coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0111] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0112] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented entirely or partially by hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A long time timer switch circuit, characterized by comprising: Includes a control unit, an RTC timing chip, and a power management unit, among which: The RTC timing chip is connected to the control unit and the power management unit respectively; The control unit is used to configure the RTC timing chip and to generate control commands. The RTC timing chip is used to provide timing functions and generate timing signals; The power management unit is used to receive the control command and supply power to the load unit.

2. A long time timing switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein The RTC timing chip includes a high-precision timer and a timer output port; The high-precision timer is used to record the current time; The timer output port is connected to the control unit, and the timer output port is used to output the timing signal.

3. The long time timing switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is specifically used for: When the RTC timing chip triggers the first timing signal, a power-on control command is output. When the RTC timing chip triggers the second timing signal, a shutdown control command is output.

4. The long time timing switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein The control unit includes: A microprocessor or logic circuit is used to parse the timing signal and generate corresponding control instructions according to preset logic.

5. A long time timing switch circuit according to claim 4, wherein The power management unit includes a power switching circuit and a power protection circuit; The power switching circuit is used to switch the on / off state of the power supply according to the control command. The power protection circuit is used to protect the load unit from damage in the event of a power failure.

6. The long time timing switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein The long-term timed power-on / off circuit also includes a power decoupling circuit, the input terminal of which is a power input terminal, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the power management unit. The power decoupling circuit includes transistors and capacitors to reduce power supply noise interference.

7. A long time timing switch circuit according to claim 6, wherein The long-term timed power-on / off circuit also includes a reset control circuit, which is used to control the reset operation of the switch circuit through external signals.

8. The long time timing switch circuit according to claim 1, wherein The power management unit includes: The main power switch is connected in series between the main power supply and the load unit; And a control switch, the on or off state of which is controlled by the control command output by the control unit, and used to control the on and off of the main power switch.

9. A long time timing switch circuit according to claim 8, wherein The long-term timed power-on / off circuit also includes an expansion interface for communicating with a GPS module, Bluetooth module, or other external devices.

10. A long-term timed power-on / off circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The high-precision timer uses a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator.

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