Autonomous PWM Module and ADC Manager for Vehicle IC Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microcontroller systems face performance burdens due to the need for real-time processing and manual checking of analog status in external ICs controlled by PWM outputs, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency in automotive applications.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an autonomous PWM module and an ADC group manager within the microprocessor, enabling automated analog feedback diagnosis and controllable PWM channel edges to offload CPU processing, allowing for precise event control and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual checking of analog status in external ICs is performed, then control precision is maintained, but CPU load increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalog status checking precisionVSAvoidmicrocontroller energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by implementing automated analog status checking through the ADC group manager and autonomous PWM module. The ADC automatically samples analog feedback signals from external ICs and converts them to digital values, while the autonomous PWM module independently generates PWM outputs based on control data, eliminating the need for continuous CPU intervention and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual CPU-based checking mechanism with an automated electronic system. The ADC group manager substitutes the mechanical/CPU process of reading and interpreting analog status with an electronic analog-to-digital conversion system that automatically captures and processes analog signals, improving both precision and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If real-time processing is implemented for precise event control, then control accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent control precisionVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments processing functions by separating real-time PWM generation from periodic analog status checking. The autonomous PWM module handles real-time pulse generation independently, while the ADC group manager handles periodic status sampling. This segmentation allows precise event control without requiring the entire system to operate at maximum processing complexity continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring the ADC group manager to sample analog feedback signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. The conversion timing is controlled periodically, allowing precise event control when needed while reducing processing complexity during stable operation phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If frequent analog status checking is performed, then system reliability is improved, but CPU performance is burdened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidCPU performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ADC group manager and autonomous PWM module perform self-service by automatically monitoring and adjusting system parameters without CPU intervention. The ADC independently samples analog signals, converts them to digital values, and the system uses these values to maintain reliable operation, freeing the CPU for other productive tasks while ensuring system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the analog status monitoring and the CPU. The ADC group manager acts as an intermediary that samples analog signals, converts them to digital format, and provides processed data to the CPU only when necessary, rather than requiring the CPU to directly handle continuous analog monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8502721B2Apparatus and methods thereof for reducing energy consumption for PWM controlled integrated circuits in vehicles

Publication Date: 2013.08.06 SILICON MOBILITY

AI summary

An apparatus, protocol and methods for reducing vehicle energy consumption and for precise electronic event control, by implementing full CPU off-loading, using pulse-width modulation (PWM) with analog feedback diagnosis enabling real-time operation. Accordingly, analog feedback is used for external integrated circuits (IC) controlled by a PWM output, for processes to be analyzed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor that integrates an autonomous PWM module and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) group manager, each including register modules for enabling analog-to-digital signal conversion comparisons of PWM feedback data, and generating of an interrupt command when required, and more specifically to automatically initiate transfer of data from the ADC to memory responsive of an interrupt trigger. As may be necessary the output of the ADC is calibrated or otherwise scaled to enable proper operation.