Battery Wake-Up Power Path Control for Low Standby Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs continuously consume current due to components like real time clocks (RTC) and CAN transceivers, even when the battery is not in use, leading to unnecessary power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A battery management apparatus that includes a wake-up unit, a power supply path, a regulator, a switching element, and a feedback module, allowing the microcontroller unit to control the power supply to the wake-up unit and other components, enabling them to enter sleep modes and reduce current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the microcontroller unit is placed in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the wake-up components (RTC and CAN transceiver) still consume current continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first power supply path for the wake-up unit (RTC and CAN transceiver) and a second power supply path for the microcontroller unit. This segmentation allows independent control of power delivery to each component, enabling the microcontroller to enter sleep mode while the wake-up components can be selectively powered on or off based on actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the microcontroller unit to dynamically control the power supply to wake-up components through switching elements. The system transitions from static continuous power delivery to dynamic on-demand power delivery, where the wake-up components receive power only when needed (e.g., when a wake-up event is detected), thereby eliminating unnecessary current consumption during idle periods.
2Reliability
If wake-up components operate continuously to ensure immediate wake-up capability, then system reliability is improved, but current consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the wake-up components are activated periodically or on-demand based on actual wake-up needs. The system uses event-triggered power delivery where the RTC or CAN transceiver receives power only when a wake-up event occurs (such as a scheduled time alarm or incoming communication), rather than maintaining continuous operation. This periodic activation maintains wake-up reliability while dramatically reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service power management where the wake-up components can autonomously control their own power supply based on detected events. When the RTC detects a scheduled wake-up time or the CAN transceiver detects a wake-up signal, these components automatically activate their power supply path, perform their wake-up function, and then deactivate, without requiring continuous external power control. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable wake-up capability while minimizing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery management apparatus capable of effectively reducing the current consumption of a component for waking up a microcontroller unit. The battery management apparatus includes a wake-up unit, a first power supply path, a first regulator, a first switching element, a feedback module, and a microcontroller unit configured to convert a sleep mode to a wake-up mode by receiving a wake-up signal from the wake-up unit and connected to the feedback module to turn off the first switching element.