Display Controller Low-Power Mode via Voltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-power display controller and associated method that can be implemented at a low cost, particularly in response to the global trend of reducing power consumption in display monitors during standby mode.
Innovation Solution
A display controller comprising a voltage detecting circuit, a low-power control circuit, a power management unit, a selector, and a microcontroller, which detects voltage levels and generates control signals to switch between low-power and normal operating modes, deactivating auxiliary circuits to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the display controller operates in normal mode with all circuits activated, then the system can respond quickly to wake-up events, but power consumption increases significantly during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display controller into multiple independent functional blocks: voltage detecting circuit, low-power control circuit, power management unit, selector, microcontroller, and crystal I/O circuit. This segmentation allows selective activation of circuits based on operational mode, enabling the system to deactivate power-consuming components during standby while maintaining wake-up capability through the always-on voltage detecting circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage detecting circuit is designed to operate continuously in a low-power state, performing preliminary detection of voltage levels before full system activation is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when a wake-up event occurs, the system can quickly determine the voltage state and activate appropriate circuits without delay, thus maintaining fast response while minimizing standby power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If auxiliary circuits are deactivated to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The selector serves as a universal control element that routes signals between different operational modes (normal and low-power). The power management unit performs multiple functions including receiving wake-up events, generating control signals, and coordinating the activation/deactivation of various circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each control function, thereby managing complexity while enabling effective power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the wake-up event handling and voltage detection functions into an integrated control architecture where the power management unit works closely with the voltage detecting circuit. By merging these functions and sharing control resources, the system reduces the overall number of independent control circuits needed, thus managing complexity while achieving effective power consumption reduction through coordinated control of auxiliary circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-power display control method and associated display controller is provided. The low-power display control method detects a sensing signal to generate a sensing result. A control signal is generated according to the sensing result to control a power conversion controller to operate in a low-power power saving mode. In response to a wake-up event, the control signal is deasserted and an associated auxiliary circuit is also turned off, and then the display controller is woken up to restore to a normal operating mode.