Computer Wake-Up Circuit Using Embedded Controller and Switch Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computers dissipate excessive power when not in a power-saving state, leading to inefficiency and reduced battery life, as existing power management standards do not effectively transition between working, standby, and shutdown states to minimize power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A computer system comprising a switch circuit, chipset, and embedded controller with specific wake-up pins and an opportunistic buffer flush/fill mechanism to manage power states, allowing the system to enter power-saving modes while maintaining data integrity and efficiently waking up the computer when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the computer remains in working state to maintain data access and responsiveness, then usability and response time are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between working state and power-saving state based on activity detection. The embedded controller monitors system activity and automatically switches the computer to power-saving state when no activity is detected, and wakes it up when activity is detected, making the power state adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user activity in advance and transitioning to appropriate power states before actual power consumption becomes an issue. The embedded controller proactively monitors and triggers state transitions based on detected activity patterns
2Use of energy by moving object
If the computer enters power-saving state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but wake-up response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller acts as an intermediary that remains active or in a light sleep state to monitor for wake-up events while the main system is in power-saving state. When a wake-up event is detected, it quickly activates the main system, reducing the effective wake-up time without requiring the entire system to remain fully powered
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into different power management components with different power states. The embedded controller can operate in a lower power state while still being capable of detecting wake-up events and initiating system wake-up, separating the monitoring function from the main computing function
3Loss of energy
If the computer shuts down completely to minimize power dissipation, then power saving is improved, but data access and system responsiveness are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different components of the system are placed in different power states simultaneously. Critical components needed for wake-up detection and basic functionality remain powered or in light sleep state, while non-critical components are powered down, creating local variations in power state across the system
Data Source
AI summary
A computer and a waking method thereof are provided. The computer includes a switch circuit, a chipset, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIE) device, and an embedded controller. The chipset includes a first wake-up pin and a power button pin, wherein the first wake-up pin is coupled to a terminal of the switch circuit. The PCIE device includes a second wake-up pin, and the embedded controller includes a general purpose input pin and a general purpose output pin. The general purpose input pin and the second wake-up pin are coupled to another terminal of the switch circuit. The general purpose output pin is coupled to the power button pin.