Circuit Wake-Up Control Using Constant Current Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits face challenges in quickly transitioning from a low-power sleep mode to an active mode, which is critical in time-sensitive applications, as the wake-up time can be prolonged due to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit design that includes a switch, a current source, and a control circuit to charge a voltage line with a constant wake-up current until it reaches a predetermined voltage, allowing for rapid transition from sleep mode to active mode by using a current mirror configuration and operational amplifiers to control the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the circuit is kept in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the wake-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the voltage line to a target voltage level before the circuit needs to wake up. The control circuit monitors the voltage and prepares the charging path in advance, so when wake-up is needed, the circuit can transition rapidly without waiting for gradual charging. This resolves the contradiction by performing part of the wake-up preparation during the sleep mode itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the charging current adaptive rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the charging current based on the real-time voltage level on the voltage line, providing higher current when voltage is low and reducing it as voltage approaches the target. This dynamic adjustment enables fast wake-up while maintaining energy efficiency, resolving the time-power consumption tradeoff.
2Speed
If a high current is used to charge the voltage line quickly, then wake-up speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging current adaptive rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the charging current based on the real-time voltage level on the voltage line, providing higher current when voltage is low and reducing it as voltage approaches the target. This dynamic adjustment enables fast wake-up while maintaining energy efficiency, resolving the time-power consumption tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging parameter (current) based on the voltage state. Instead of using a constant high current that would waste energy, the system varies the current parameter according to the voltage level, using high current only when necessary for rapid voltage buildup and lower current when the voltage is already close to the target, thus optimizing both speed and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is reduced to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but the circuit cannot reach nominal operating voltage quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the voltage line to a target voltage level before the circuit needs to wake up. The control circuit monitors the voltage and prepares the charging path in advance, so when wake-up is needed, the circuit can transition rapidly without waiting for gradual charging. This resolves the contradiction by performing part of the wake-up preparation during the sleep mode itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the control circuit that continuously monitors the voltage level and periodically adjusts the charging current. The control circuit uses feedback to determine when to increase or decrease charging, creating a periodic adjustment pattern that efficiently brings the voltage to the nominal level without wasting energy on continuous maximum-power charging.
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 solution enables fast and efficient wake-up of electronic circuit portions by maintaining a constant charge current until the voltage reaches its nominal value, ensuring quick and reliable activation, even in applications where time is critical.
Implementation Method 1
charging a voltage line of the circuit with a constant wake-up current until the voltage line reaches a predetermined voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for waking up a circuit, comprising charging a voltage line of the circuit with a constant wake-up current until the voltage line reaches a predetermined voltage. Also, an apparatus, comprising a circuit portion, a switch configured to selectively couple an input of the circuit portion to a supply voltage, a current source configured to generate a first current, and a control circuit configured to control a state of the switch depending on the first current.