MCU LDO Voltage Scaling from CPU Frequency Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power modes for microcontroller units (MCUs) are set manually through software, leading to incorrect or suboptimal settings that can cause improper system operation or unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power control method and system that automatically adjusts the LDO voltage based on the CPU operating frequency by using a clock counter and power controller to determine the appropriate voltage, eliminating the need for manual software settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power modes are set manually through software, then flexibility in power management is achieved, but incorrect or suboptimal settings occur leading to improper system operation or unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the appropriate power mode by detecting CPU operating frequency and mapping it to the corresponding LDO voltage setting, eliminating the need for manual software configuration. The power controller autonomously adjusts the LDO voltage based on real-time frequency detection, ensuring correct power settings without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power controller continuously monitors CPU operating frequency and dynamically adjusts LDO voltage settings accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the power mode always matches the actual operating conditions, preventing both under-powering and over-powering scenarios.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LDO voltage is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the maximum CPU operating frequency that can be supported is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts LDO voltage based on the actual CPU operating frequency rather than using fixed voltage levels. When CPU frequency is low, the system automatically reduces LDO voltage to save power; when CPU frequency increases, the system raises LDO voltage to provide sufficient power headroom, optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and performance in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the LDO voltage parameter according to the CPU operating frequency parameter. By establishing a mapping relationship between frequency and voltage, the system automatically selects the appropriate voltage level that matches the current operating frequency, ensuring optimal power efficiency at each operating point.
3Speed
If LDO voltage is increased to support higher CPU frequency, then maximum operating frequency increases, but power consumption increases unnecessarily when lower frequency is used
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts LDO voltage to match the actual CPU operating frequency. Instead of maintaining a high fixed voltage to support maximum frequency, the system automatically lowers the voltage when the CPU operates at lower frequencies, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while still being capable of supporting higher frequencies when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the LDO voltage parameter based on the detected CPU frequency parameter. By implementing a frequency-to-voltage mapping, the system automatically selects the minimum necessary voltage level for the current operating frequency, preventing over-powering and reducing wasted energy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a power control method for a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a power control system using the same. The power control method includes after a triggering event of switching CPU frequency occurs, controlling, through a power controller, a low dropout linear regulator (LDO) to output a preset voltage and triggering a clock controller to switch a first central processing unit (CPU) frequency; after the clock controller switches the first CPU frequency, counting, through a clock counter, a number of times of occurrence of a CPU clock within a period to obtain a second CPU frequency; and determining, through the power controller, a corresponding voltage of the second CPU frequency and controlling the LDO to output the corresponding voltage.