Dual Processor Architecture for Medical Device Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable medical devices face challenges in conserving power due to high processing demands and the need for precise temporal execution of instructions, leading to reduced battery runtime and potential treatment delays.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor architecture with a critical purpose processor for executing critical functions and a general purpose processor that can enter reduced service states to conserve energy, ensuring only necessary processing power is used when required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single powerful microprocessor is used to meet processing demands, then processing power is improved, but power consumption increases and battery runtime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides processing functions into two separate processors: a critical purpose processor for time-sensitive operations and a general purpose processor for non-critical tasks. This segmentation allows the general purpose processor to enter low-power states while the critical processor maintains operational readiness, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving necessary processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The general purpose processor dynamically transitions between active and reduced service states based on system needs. When critical processing is required, the general purpose processor activates; otherwise, it enters a low-power state. This dynamic behavior optimizes the balance between processing power and power consumption over time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the general purpose processor enters reduced service states to conserve power, then power consumption decreases, but processing speed for critical functions may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting processing functions into critical and non-critical categories handled by separate processors, the system ensures that critical functions always have dedicated processing power available, while non-critical functions can tolerate reduced service states. This segmentation prevents speed degradation in critical path operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical purpose processor acts as an intermediary that can independently handle time-sensitive operations without waiting for the general purpose processor to wake from low-power states. This intermediary processor ensures that critical processing speed requirements are met even when the general purpose processor is in a reduced service state.
3Power
If multiple processors are used to provide processing power, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation to divide processing functions into two distinct processors with clearly defined roles. The critical purpose processor handles real-time, time-sensitive operations, while the general purpose processor handles non-critical tasks. This functional segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by creating clear boundaries and responsibilities for each processor.
Solution Approach 2:
Each processor is optimized for its specific function: the critical purpose processor is optimized for real-time processing with deterministic timing, while the general purpose processor is optimized for flexibility and power efficiency. This local optimization of each processor's qualities reduces the need for complex coordination mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for conservation of battery power in a portable medical device is provided. In one example, a processor arrangement that includes a plurality of processors is implemented. At least one of these processors is configured to execute the critical functions of the medical device, while one or more other processors assume a reduced service level, thereby drawing significantly less power. According to this arrangement, the medical device conserves energy by drawing the additional electrical power needed to activate the additional processing power only when needed.