Context-Based CPU Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing devices operate inefficiently in power modes due to inadequate switching between power modes, leading to increased microcontroller power usage, especially when interacting with sensors and peripherals, resulting in reduced time in low power modes and unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that configure a central processing unit (CPU) to operate in multiple power modes with specific code-execution performance capabilities, utilizing context-identifying inputs from sensors to select and execute appropriate modules, which control the CPU's power mode and associated behaviors of peripherals, optimizing power usage based on context awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the microcontroller operates in low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to respond to sensor interrupts and peripheral requests is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low power mode and active mode based on sensor context. The sampling peripheral operates autonomously in low power mode, collecting sensor data and comparing it against thresholds. When context indicates activity (e.g., motion detected, button pressed), the system transitions to active mode to handle interrupts and execute algorithms, thus optimizing the balance between power savings and response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An autonomous sampling peripheral acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the CPU. This peripheral continuously monitors sensor inputs even when the CPU is in low power mode, pre-processing the data and generating context indicators. This mediator enables the CPU to remain asleep while still being aware of relevant events, reducing unnecessary wake-ups and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microcontroller frequently switches between power modes, then it can respond to peripheral requests, but power efficiency is reduced due to switching overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling peripheral performs preliminary actions by continuously sampling sensors and pre-processing data in the background while the CPU remains in low power mode. Context indicators are prepared in advance, so when the CPU needs to wake up, it already has processed information ready, reducing the time spent in high power mode and minimizing switching overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on sensor context rather than frequently switching power modes. The sampling peripheral adjusts sampling rates, thresholds, and processing intensity according to the detected context, allowing the CPU to maintain a stable power mode while still adapting system behavior to match activity levels.
3Ease of operation
If computing chips are turned on at the same rate regardless of activity level, then system simplicity is maintained, but unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality into two independent parts: an always-on sampling peripheral that monitors sensors and processes data autonomously, and a CPU that operates in low power mode and wakes up only when needed. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to run continuously without impacting CPU power consumption, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing overall power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling peripheral serves itself by autonomously sampling sensors, processing data, and generating context indicators without CPU intervention. This self-service capability allows the peripheral to operate independently in low power mode, eliminating the need for the CPU to continuously check sensor states and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for computing devices includes a central processing unit (CPU that is configured to perform in a plurality of power modes, each power mode being pre-defined to have a different code-execution performance capability than remaining ones of the plurality of power modes. The system further includes a sampling peripheral, an electrical output, and a memory device. The memory device is configured to select and execute a specific module from the plurality of modules based on the context-identifying input triggering the specific module. If triggered, each module is executed to receive the context-identifying input from the sampling peripheral, and to operate the CPU in a dedicated power mode of the plurality of power modes.