Autonomous Analog Signal Measurement Circuit for Low-Power Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded systems used for measuring analog signals often require intervention or supervision from a processing core or CPU, which can lead to power consumption and processing bandwidth issues, especially when periodic measurements are needed without interrupting the CPU or while it is in a low power state.
Innovation Solution
Circuitry that enables autonomous measurement of analog signals by using timing circuitry to assert enable signals independently, allowing operational amplifier and signal analyzing circuitry to operate without CPU intervention, thus conserving power and processing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embedded systems are used to measure analog signals with CPU supervision, then measurement functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and processing bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous measurement circuitry that performs analog signal measurements independently without CPU supervision. The system configures itself by receiving measurement parameters from the CPU once, then autonomously executes periodic measurements, processes signals through operational amplifiers and ADCs, and generates interrupts only when threshold violations occur. This self-service approach eliminates continuous CPU involvement, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic measurement operations where the autonomous circuitry measures analog signals at configured intervals rather than continuously. The system uses internal timing mechanisms to trigger measurements periodically, enabling the CPU to remain in low-power states between measurement cycles. This periodic action reduces both power consumption and processing bandwidth requirements while maintaining effective monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If CPU supervises analog signal measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but processing bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous measurement circuitry maintains measurement accuracy by independently executing configured measurement routines with precise timing. The system uses dedicated hardware components including operational amplifiers for signal conditioning, ADCs for conversion, and internal timers for synchronization. These self-service operations eliminate CPU intervention from the critical measurement path, preserving measurement precision while freeing processing bandwidth for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement system into independent functional modules: signal conditioning circuitry, ADC conversion, timing control, and threshold comparison. Each module operates autonomously with dedicated hardware resources, separating the measurement function from CPU processing. This segmentation allows high-precision measurements to occur independently while the CPU handles only high-level configuration and interrupt response, optimizing both measurement accuracy and processing bandwidth utilization.
3Reliability
If embedded systems operate constantly on for measurements, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but power savings are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the autonomous circuitry activates only when needed based on configured intervals or trigger events. Between measurement cycles, the system can enter low-power states while maintaining measurement capability. This periodic operation achieves effective continuous monitoring over time while enabling significant power savings during idle periods between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous measurement system manages its own power states by independently controlling when measurements occur and when components can enter low-power modes. The circuitry uses internal timers and event triggers to activate measurement functions only when necessary, then autonomously returns to low-power states. This self-service power management maintains monitoring reliability while maximizing power savings compared to constant operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Analog signal measurement and related circuitry, systems, and methods are disclosed. Circuitry includes timing circuitry configured to assert a first enable signal at a first time and a second enable signal at a second time. The circuitry also includes an operational amplifier circuit configured to enable responsive to the assertion of the first enable signal. The operational amplifier circuit is configured to receive an analog input signal and, if enabled, generate an amplified analog input signal responsive to the analog input signal. The circuitry further includes signal analyzing circuitry configured to enable responsive to the assertion of the first enable signal, compare the amplified analog input signal to one or more threshold values responsive to the assertion of the second enable signal, and generate an alert signal responsive to a determination that the amplified analog input signal falls outside of the one or more threshold values.