Integrated Circuit Clock Selection for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable signal processing devices face increased power consumption due to long-time operation on internal power sources, with existing measures being insufficient to reduce power consumption effectively.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit that monitors an external power source voltage and selects between a high-frequency and low-frequency clock, as well as source voltage levels, to optimize power usage based on the availability of the external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the integrated circuit operates with high performance using a high-frequency clock, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock selecting unit dynamically switches between the first clock (high frequency) and the second clock (low frequency) based on the power supply state detected by the source voltage monitoring unit. When external power is available, the high-frequency clock is used for fast processing; when running on internal power, the low-frequency clock reduces power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and power consumption.
2Productivity
If the integrated circuit uses a high source voltage for optimal performance, then operational efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source voltage monitoring unit detects the power supply state and triggers the clock selecting unit to change operating parameters. The system switches between different clock frequencies (first frequency vs. second frequency) and source voltage levels (first source voltage vs. second source voltage) based on whether external power is available. This parameter adaptation allows the circuit to maintain optimal efficiency when powered externally while minimizing power consumption from internal batteries.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the integrated circuit monitors power supply state and switches between different operating modes, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock selecting unit serves multiple functions: it selects between different clock frequencies, responds to power supply state changes, and controls the switching between first and second source voltages. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate control circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving power consumption reduction through dynamic operation mode switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit that operates with application of an external power source supplying a first source voltage, the circuit comprising: a source voltage monitoring unit that monitors the level of the first source voltage supplied from the external power source, and that determines whether the first source voltage is supplied from the external power source; a clock selecting unit that is supplied with a first clock of a first frequency and a second clock of a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and that selects and outputs the first clock when it is determined by the source voltage monitoring unit that the first source voltage is supplied and the second clock when it is determined by the source voltage monitoring unit that the first source voltage is not supplied; and a processor that operates with supply of either one of the first clock and the second clock output by the clock selecting unit and controls the operation of the integrated circuit.