Microcontroller Memory Segment Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontrollers in electronic devices face challenges in reducing power consumption during operation, as existing methods only achieve power savings when the device is in a shutdown or sleep state, and there is a need for efficient management of memory segments to minimize power usage during active operation.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller design that includes a memory array, multiple memory controllers, and counting controllers, where the counting controllers count based on a memory clock to generate a count value, triggering a power saving mode when the value reaches a preset threshold, and resetting to operate mode upon receiving an operation command, thereby controlling memory segment usage and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If memory components are shut down to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the microcontroller can only achieve power saving in shutdown or sleep states, not during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array is divided into multiple memory segments, each with its own memory controller. This allows individual segments to be put into power saving mode independently while other segments remain operational, enabling power reduction during active operation without completely shutting down the microcontroller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions memory segments between operation mode and power saving mode based on real-time usage patterns. The counting controller monitors access frequency and automatically switches modes, allowing the system to adapt power consumption levels during operation rather than being fixed in either full power or shutdown states.
2Speed
If memory segments are kept in operation mode for fast access, then data access speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counting controller periodically monitors memory access patterns and transitions segments between modes based on usage frequency. Recently accessed segments remain in operation mode for fast access, while segments not accessed within a threshold period are automatically switched to power saving mode, creating a periodic evaluation and adjustment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Different memory segments have different operational states (operation mode or power saving mode) based on their local usage characteristics. Frequently accessed segments maintain high-performance operation mode, while less accessed segments are in low-power mode, allowing each segment to have the quality appropriate to its access pattern.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power saving mode is implemented during operation, then power consumption is reduced, but additional control mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The counting controller automatically monitors memory access patterns and makes decisions about mode transitions without requiring external intervention. The system self-manages the power optimization by counting accesses and autonomously switching segments between modes based on preset thresholds, reducing the need for complex external control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The counting controller continuously monitors memory access frequency and uses this feedback to determine when to transition segments between operation mode and power saving mode. The feedback loop compares actual access counts against preset thresholds and automatically adjusts the operational state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller and a memory control method for the microcontroller are provided. The microcontroller includes a memory array, multiple memory controllers, and multiple counting controllers. The memory array includes multiple memory segments. The counting controllers count based on a memory clock to generate count values, respectively. When a count value reaches a preset value, a counting controller corresponding to the count value controls a corresponding memory controller to enter a power saving mode. When receiving an operation command, the counting controller resets the count value and controls the corresponding memory controller to enter an operation mode.