ECU Power Supply Segmentation for Core Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic control units face high power consumption and heat generation due to the core operating at a lower voltage than the input/output circuit, leading to increased current consumption and thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
The electronic control unit employs a power supply circuit that generates two distinct voltages, with the core operating at a lower first power supply voltage and the input/output circuit at a higher second power supply voltage, allowing the peripheral circuit to supply current directly to the core, reducing overall power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the core operates at a lower voltage to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but the operating frequency and processing speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two distinct voltage domains: a first power supply voltage for the core and a second power supply voltage for the input/output circuit. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal voltage level, enabling the core to run at lower power while the I/O circuit can support higher frequencies for data processing and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage characteristics to different parts of the system. The core receives a lower first power supply voltage optimized for low power consumption, while the input/output circuit receives a higher second power supply voltage optimized for high-speed operation. The peripheral circuit part operates at an intermediate voltage level, creating a graded voltage architecture that optimizes overall system performance.
2Productivity
If the operating frequency and circuit size are increased to meet high functionality, then processing capability improves, but current consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit into functionally independent blocks with separate power supply paths: the core, the input/output circuit, and the peripheral circuit part. Each block can be optimized independently for its specific function, allowing high-performance processing in the I/O circuit without forcing the entire system to operate at high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter across different circuit blocks to optimize performance and power consumption. By establishing a voltage hierarchy (first voltage for core, intermediate voltage for peripheral circuits, second voltage for I/O circuit), the system achieves high processing capability in the I/O circuit while maintaining low power consumption in the core, thereby reducing overall heat generation.
3Device complexity
If a single power supply voltage is used for both core and input/output circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but the core cannot operate at optimal low voltage for low power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral circuit part serves multiple functions: it receives the first power supply voltage for low-power operation, accepts the second power supply voltage for high-voltage processing, and generates an intermediate voltage for its own operation. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve dual-voltage operation without adding excessive complexity, as the peripheral circuit acts as a voltage intermediary.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration decreases the total power consumption of the electronic control unit, thereby reducing heat generation and improving operational efficiency by minimizing current flow from the power supply IC to the core.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply circuit part generates and outputs the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage by stepping down an external power supply voltage supplied from an external side
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit includes a microcomputer, a power supply IC and a peripheral circuit part. The microcomputer includes a core operable with a first power supply voltage and an input/output circuit operable with a second power supply voltage higher than the first power supply voltage. The power supply IC generates the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage. The peripheral circuit part has a first input terminal for the first power supply voltage, a second input terminal for the second power supply voltage, and an internal circuit operable with a potential between the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage. A core input terminal for the first power supply voltage, a first output terminal for the first power supply voltage in the power supply IC and the first input terminal are electrically connected one another.