Independent Core Block Power Control via Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microcontrollers lack customizable power modes for independent control of core system blocks, limiting power optimization and flexibility for application programmers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power management unit that allows independent control of core system blocks, enabling application programmers to customize power consumption by periodically turning on and off components like power supply monitors and voltage references, reducing average power consumption through sampling and granular control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If predefined power modes are provided for the whole microcontroller, then power management is simplified, but independent control over particular blocks is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management simplicityVSAvoidindependent block control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller is divided into multiple independently controllable functional blocks (e.g., ADC, DAC, comparator, voltage reference, power supply monitor). Each block can be individually enabled or disabled through separate control signals, allowing selective power management of specific blocks rather than controlling the entire microcontroller as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If continuous operation of core system blocks is maintained, then system reliability is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Core system blocks are operated in a periodic manner rather than continuously. The blocks are enabled only during specific sampling periods when their functionality is needed, and disabled during other periods to reduce power consumption. This periodic operation maintains system reliability by ensuring blocks are available when required while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If customizable power modes are implemented for individual blocks, then power optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower optimizationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service power management where each functional block is equipped with its own control mechanism that can be independently configured. Application programmers can directly control the power state of individual blocks without requiring complex centralized power management logic, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling fine-grained power optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7555664B2Independent control of core system blocks for power optimization

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 MONTEREY RESEARCH LLC

AI summary

Power management commands are provided to a power management unit of a processing device, wherein the power management unit coupled to a core system block of the processing device. Sampling of the core system block is performed in response to the power management commands by the power management unit, wherein sampling includes periodically powering the core system block.