Circuit Interrupter Clock Modulation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit interrupters, such as miniature circuit breakers, face challenges in reducing current consumption and managing power supply voltage effectively, which affects their operating temperature and efficiency, especially with the increasing demand for low-power electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a routine that modulates the processor's clock speed based on idle periods, using a configurable clock to reduce current consumption by lowering the frequency when the circuit interrupter is not actively processing data, and increasing it during data collection and processing to ensure timely fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor operates at a constant high clock speed to ensure timely fault detection, then the reliability of fault detection is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor clock speed is made dynamic rather than constant. The system switches between high clock speed (for timely fault detection) and low clock speed (for reduced power consumption) based on operational state. This is achieved through a routine that monitors processor activity and adjusts the clock frequency accordingly, using a configurable clock circuit that can operate at multiple frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock frequency parameter of the processor is changed based on operational requirements. The system uses a configurable clock that can be set to different frequencies (e.g., high frequency for active processing, low frequency for idle periods). This parameter change allows the processor to maintain reliability when needed while reducing current consumption during less critical periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the processor uses sleep modes to reduce current consumption, then the power efficiency is improved, but the restart time increases too much cycles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional sleep modes that completely shut down the clock, the system dynamically adjusts the clock frequency to a low but non-zero value during idle periods. This allows the processor to consume less power while maintaining the ability to quickly resume full-speed operation without the lengthy restart associated with complete clock shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a low-frequency clock running during idle periods rather than shutting it down completely. This preliminary action of keeping the clock alive at reduced speed prevents the need for lengthy restart sequences, allowing the processor to transition quickly back to high-speed operation when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage is reduced to lower current consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the operating temperature range is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the clock frequency parameter instead of the power supply voltage to reduce current consumption. By operating the processor at lower clock frequencies during idle periods, the system achieves reduced power consumption and lower internal temperatures without altering the power supply voltage, thereby maintaining the processor's operating temperature range and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a current sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts, a microprocessor cooperating with the sensor and the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, and a power supply structured to at least power the microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a configurable clock and a routine structured to reduce current consumption from the power supply through modulation of the configurable clock.