Dual-Processor Heartbeat Mechanism for Low-Power Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with single processors experience high power consumption and short battery life due to constant processing, especially in wearable devices that require low processing for daily functions, leading to increased power usage and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-core system with a low-power first processor and a high-power second processor, where the first processor maintains communication connections using heartbeat packets to keep the device awake for low-power tasks, allowing the second processor to sleep and conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single processor is used to handle all processing tasks, then the device can meet high-processing requirements, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is divided into two distinct systems: a first system with a first processor for low-power tasks and a second system with a second processor for high-power tasks. This segmentation allows each processor to operate independently based on task requirements, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining processing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first processor and second processor based on task requirements. The first processor handles routine low-power tasks, while the second processor is activated only when high-processing power is needed. This dynamic allocation optimizes the balance between processing power and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If the processor remains in a working state to maintain communication connections, then communication stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first processor sends heartbeat packets periodically to maintain communication connections with external devices. This periodic action keeps the communication channel active and stable without requiring the processor to remain continuously awake, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processor acts as an intermediary that maintains communication connections with external devices using low-power periodic heartbeat packets. This allows the second processor to enter sleep mode while the first processor continues to handle communication maintenance, separating the communication function from the high-power processing function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a dual-core system is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first processor is designed to handle multiple functions including low-power task execution and communication connection maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving power reduction goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for maintaining a communication connection is applicable into an electronic device, the electronic device supports running of a first system and a second system, and the method includes: sending, by the first system, a heartbeat packet to an external device based on the heartbeat packet sending request, wherein the heartbeat packet is configured to maintain a communication connection between the electronic device and the external device; and receiving, by the first system, a heartbeat feedback packet sent by the external device. An electronic device, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are further provided.