Dual-Oscillator Timing Control for Low-Power Wake-Up Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time embedded systems face challenges in minimizing power consumption due to high frequency oscillators and microprocessor usage, which increases energy expenditure and requires precise timing management without frequent component activations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low power oscillator with lower frequency in combination with high resolution timing information, and utilizing a microsequencer to perform timing-critical tasks, reducing the need for frequent wake-ups and minimizing power consumption by selectively activating components only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high frequency oscillator is used to maintain high precision timing, then timing precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low-frequency and high-frequency oscillators based on operational requirements. The low-frequency oscillator maintains basic timing during idle periods, while the high-frequency oscillator is activated only when precise timing is needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous high precision timing and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency oscillator is activated periodically rather than continuously, only when precise timing measurements are required. This periodic activation maintains timing precision when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous high-frequency operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microprocessor is used frequently to provide programmability and functionality, then system functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses event-driven interrupt mechanisms where the microprocessor remains in sleep mode and is automatically awakened only when specific events occur that require processing. This self-service approach maintains full programmability and functionality while minimizing microprocessor active time and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts critical timing functions from the microprocessor and implements them in dedicated hardware timers and interrupt controllers. This separation allows the microprocessor to remain dormant longer while still providing full programmability when activated, reducing overall power consumption.
3Productivity
If components are turned on frequently to perform tasks, then task completion is improved, but energy consumption increases due to capacitance charging and oscillator stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of components during idle periods when power is available, preparing them for rapid activation when needed. This preliminary setup reduces the time and energy required for component startup and stabilization when tasks are executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains certain components in a partially active or standby state rather than completely off, allowing for faster reactivation without full stabilization delays. This continuous readiness reduces the energy loss associated with frequent complete power cycles while maintaining task completion capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device reduces its energy consumption using a relatively lower frequency and lower power secondary oscillator to maintain timing information when a higher frequency and higher power primary oscillator is inactivated. The secondary oscillator maintains timing information at a higher resolution than the period of the oscillator, so as to conserve synchronization when the higher frequency, higher power primary oscillator is inactivated. In some embodiments, a microsequencer is programmably configured to control an integrated radio receiver and transmitter using less power than an associated microprocessor would use to perform the same functions. In other embodiments, flexible event timing facilitates the merging of wake-up events to reduce the energy consumed by wake-up operations in the device.