Dual Voltage Regulator Switching for Microcontroller Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators in microcontroller systems consume significant power even in power saving modes due to high static current consumption, contributing to overall power usage, and existing solutions require clock activation for switching between regulators.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller system with a main voltage regulator and a low power voltage regulator, where a power state controller enables the low power regulator during power saving modes and switches back to the main regulator upon readiness, utilizing asynchronous switching circuitry to minimize power usage without clock activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main voltage regulator is used to provide regulated voltage to core logic, then the voltage regulation function is achieved, but static current consumption increases significantly in power saving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation function is segmented into two separate regulators: a main voltage regulator for normal operation and a low power voltage regulator for power saving modes. Each regulator is optimized for its specific operating condition, allowing the system to switch between them based on power state requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the main voltage regulator and the low power voltage regulator based on the power state. The power state controller monitors the operational mode and activates the appropriate regulator, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the current operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If synchronous switching circuitry is used to switch between voltage regulators, then switching control is simplified, but clock activation is required which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces synchronous switching circuitry that requires clock signals with asynchronous switching circuitry. The asynchronous switches respond directly to control signals from the power state controller without requiring a clock cycle, eliminating the need for clock activation during regulator switching and reducing power consumption during mode transitions.
3Reliability
If the main voltage regulator remains active during power saving mode, then voltage regulation is maintained, but it continues to draw significant current
Solution Approach 1:
The low power voltage regulation function is extracted as a separate dedicated regulator rather than relying on the main voltage regulator to handle both normal and power-saving operations. This extracted low power regulator specifically addresses the power saving requirement without compromising the voltage regulation reliability when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between two different voltage regulators with different current consumption characteristics. The main regulator provides robust voltage regulation during normal operation, while the low power regulator provides sufficient voltage regulation during power saving modes with minimal current draw, optimizing the parameter of power consumption based on operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller system includes a main voltage regulator and a low power voltage regulator having a static current consumption less than the static current consumption of the main voltage regulator. A power state controller enables the low power voltage regulator during a power saving mode. On exiting the power saving mode, the power state controller enables the main voltage regulator and disables the low power voltage regulator after determining that the main voltage regulator is ready. The switching circuitry can be asynchronous.