Configurable Microcontroller I/O Access in Low-Power Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microcontrollers in low-power modes have limited flexibility due to fixed I/O pin functions, which restricts the system's overall functionality since the GPIO controller is powered off or deactivated.

Innovation Solution

A microcontroller design that allows configurable I/O pins to remain available during low-power modes by using a selector and multiplexer to bypass the I/O controller, enabling user-programmable functions and external interrupt capabilities to exit the power savings mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the GPIO controller is powered off or deactivated during low-power modes, then power consumption is reduced, but the flexibility and configurability of I/O pins are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidI/O pin configurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the I/O system into two separate domains: a core domain containing the GPIO controller that is powered off during low-power modes, and a backup domain containing selected I/O pins and their configuration data that remain powered on. This segmentation allows the system to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining configurability through the backup domain's retained I/O pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of maintaining the entire I/O controller powered on during low-power modes, the patent applies local quality by selectively powering on only the specific I/O pins and configuration data needed for low-power operation. This allows configurability to be maintained only where necessary (in the backup domain) while the rest of the system enters low-power mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If dedicated I/O pins are coupled directly to backup power management by bypassing the GPIO controller, then power savings are achieved, but system flexibility is limited due to fixed I/O pin functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Before entering low-power mode, the patent performs preliminary action by copying the configuration data from the GPIO controller to the backup domain's I/O pins. This pre-configures the backup I/O pins with the desired functions and settings, allowing them to operate independently with fixed functions during low-power modes while maintaining the ability to achieve the required configurability through the pre-established configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9250690B2Low-power modes of microcontroller operation with access to configurable input/output connectors

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

A microcontroller includes I/O pins whose respective functions are configurable by an I/O controller in accordance with user-programmable input. The availability of such configurable I/O pins is extended to low-power or power savings modes of operation during which the I/O controller is powered off or deactivated.