Low Power Mode Reboot for Undervoltage Lockout Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face power management challenges when the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, leading to undervoltage lockout, where the device powers down and a portion of the battery capacity remains unused, limiting functionality and reducing battery lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to reboot the device in a low power mode with a lower undervoltage lockout threshold, allowing the device to continue functioning with reduced functionality, such as displaying time and performing NFC transactions, thereby preventing peak current levels and extending battery life, and switching back to high power mode when the battery is sufficiently charged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device operates in high power mode with full functionality, then the user experience and device performance are improved, but the battery voltage drops faster and the device hits the UVLO threshold sooner, causing power shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high power mode and low power mode based on battery voltage levels. When voltage drops below the first UVLO threshold, the system transitions to low power mode with limited functionality to conserve energy. When voltage recovers above the second threshold, it returns to high power mode, creating a dynamic adaptation to power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the device by implementing different UVLO thresholds for different power modes. The first UVLO threshold (e.g., 3.0V) triggers low power mode, while the second UVLO threshold (e.g., 3.3V) controls high power mode operation, allowing the device to operate across a wider voltage range
2Reliability
If the device powers down when voltage hits the UVLO threshold, then the device is protected from undervoltage damage, but a portion of battery capacity remains unused and the device loses functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power operation into distinct modes: high power mode for full functionality and low power mode for essential functions only. This segmentation allows the device to protect itself from undervoltage damage while continuing to operate essential functions using the remaining battery capacity that would otherwise be wasted
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial action by enabling only essential functions in low power mode rather than complete shutdown. This allows the device to utilize the remaining battery capacity for critical operations like time display and alarm functions, rather than completely losing access to the remaining energy
3Ease of operation
If the device continues to operate with full functionality at low voltage, then the device remains fully functional, but peak current levels cause problems and the battery cannot sustain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its functional capabilities based on available power. In low power mode, non-essential peripherals and high-current consuming components are disabled or put into low-power states, reducing peak current demands while maintaining essential device functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure are directed to a method of, after hitting a UVLO threshold, rebooting an electronic device in a low power mode having a lower UVLO threshold, such that the device can continue to be used past the first UVLO threshold. For example, in a high power mode, the device may be capable of a number of functionalities of a modern portable electronic device, such as network access, the ability to run applications, Bluetooth connections, etc. In a low power mode, the device may only be able to check and display a current time, play an alarm sound at a predefined time, perform near field communication (NFC) transactions/payments, among other possibilities described herein. The limited functionality and reduced usage of peripherals in the low power mode may prevent the battery from experiencing peaks in current level that may be problematic at relatively low levels of voltage.