Embedded Power Management Using Peak-Current Adaptive Inductor Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded systems face inefficiencies in energy management when interfacing with variable renewable energy sources, as traditional clocked circuits waste energy due to fixed clock frequencies that do not adapt to changing input energies, leading to suboptimal power usage across a wide range of input levels.
Innovation Solution
An embedded system with a power management unit that self-adjusts the energy accumulation and transfer cadences based on sensor feedback, using inductors and capacitors to optimize energy storage and distribution, allowing for efficient energy usage across varying input levels without a traditional oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional clocked approach is used to control inductor charging and discharging, then the circuit operation is synchronized and simple to implement, but energy is wasted because the fixed clock frequency does not adapt to variable input energy levels from renewable sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the inductor charging and discharging cadences by adjusting timing based on sensor feedback about current peak detection. The power management unit dynamically modifies the charging duration and transfer timing according to actual energy availability from renewable sources, replacing the fixed clocked approach with an adaptive system that optimizes energy capture across varying input conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that monitor the current through the inductor during charging and provide signals to the power management unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when peak current is reached and adjust subsequent charging and discharging cadences accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to variable renewable energy input levels
2Productivity
If the inductor is charged for a fixed time period based on clock frequency, then the control is simple and synchronized, but energy transfer efficiency is suboptimal when input energy levels vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the inductor charging process to self-regulate by detecting peak current through sensor feedback. The system automatically adjusts the charging duration and transfer timing based on the actual energy captured, allowing the energy management function to serve itself without requiring complex external control mechanisms or continuous intervention
3Speed
If a faster clock signal is used to increase processing speed, then the CPU operates faster, but power draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation of the CPU and peripheral circuits, activating them only when energy is available from renewable sources and deactivating them when energy is unavailable or being accumulated. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to achieve necessary processing speeds during energy availability while minimizing power draw during energy accumulation phases, creating a rhythm of activity that balances performance and energy consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in a more efficient energy usage with a flat energy curve across a broad range of input levels, minimizing energy waste and enabling the system to function effectively even when the main storage unit is depleted, by dynamically adjusting the cadences based on current monitoring and energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductor for accumulating energy from the power source for transfer to the main storage unit and/or for accumulating energy from the main storage unit for transfer to the circuit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor circuit for monitoring a current through the at least one inductor as the energy is accumulated thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded system comprises a circuit for executing operations, a power management unit for interfacing with at least one power source, a main storage unit for storing energy from the power source for provision to the circuit, at least one inductor for accumulating energy from the power source for transfer to the main storage unit and for accumulating energy from the main storage unit for transfer to the circuit, and a sensor circuit for monitoring a current through the at least one inductor as the energy is accumulated thereon. The power management unit is configured to connect the inductor to transfer energy to the main storage unit or to the circuit in response to a signal from the sensor circuit that peak current has been reached. Also described is a device including an embedded system and a method for operating an embedded system.