Dual Controller Communication Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices with multiple controllers face high power consumption due to inconsistent operation modes and inefficient power management between high-capacity and low-capacity CPUs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication device with a primary CPU and an auxiliary CPU, where the auxiliary CPU operates in a power-saving mode to execute processes when the primary CPU is off, reducing power consumption by selectively managing operation modes based on consistent firewall and function setting values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the first controller (high-capacity CPU) is used to execute processes, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is divided into two independent controllers with different processing capabilities. The first controller handles complex processes requiring high processing power, while the second controller handles simple processes requiring low power consumption. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate controller based on process requirements, resolving the contradiction between processing capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operation modes (first operation mode with first controller and second operation mode with second controller) based on the processing requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between processing capability and power consumption by selecting the appropriate mode for each task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used to handle different processes, then processing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both controllers are integrated into a single communication device and share common resources such as memory and communication interfaces. The device can operate in multiple modes depending on the process requirements, making the system versatile while avoiding the need for completely separate devices. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having multiple independent devices.
3Reliability
If the first controller executes all processes, then processing reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different controllers are assigned different functional roles based on their capabilities. The first controller with higher processing capability handles complex processes that require reliability, while the second controller with lower processing capability handles simple processes. This local differentiation of functionality allows the system to maintain reliability for critical processes while reducing overall power consumption by not over-provisioning all controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first controller, a second controller which consumes less power than the first controller, and a memory configured to store a first setting value and a second setting value. The communication device is configured to operate selectively in one of a plurality of operation modes including a second operation mode in which the second controller can execute a process without the first controller executing the process. The second controller is configured to, in a case where the function executing instruction is received from the external device, the first setting value indicates the first value corresponding to executing the predetermined function, and the second setting value indicates the fourth value corresponding to not executing the process in a situation where the operation mode is the second operation mode, execute a related process related to not executing the predetermined function with the second operation mode maintained.