Microcontroller Power Management via Voltage Regulation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontrollers designed for low power applications face inefficiencies in both active and inactive modes due to circuits not being optimized for high efficiency in both states, leading to power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller system with a voltage regulator, voltage monitor, and power management unit that dynamically adjusts the supply voltage based on operational modes, using an external decoupling capacitor to conserve power by boosting voltage during sleep mode and inhibiting the voltage regulator until the voltage falls to a threshold, then re-enabling it to maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage regulator is continuously operating to maintain supply voltage during sleep mode, then the supply voltage remains stable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator operates periodically rather than continuously. The power management unit enables the voltage regulator only when voltage monitoring detects that the supply voltage has fallen below a threshold, and disables it when the voltage remains adequate. This periodic operation maintains voltage stability while significantly reducing power consumption during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through voltage monitoring. The power management unit continuously monitors the supply voltage and uses this feedback to dynamically control the voltage regulator's operation. When the monitored voltage drops below the threshold, the feedback signal enables the voltage regulator to restore the voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that balances stability and power savings.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage regulator is inhibited during sleep mode to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the supply voltage may drop below the minimum required voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage boosting before the voltage naturally decays to the minimum threshold. The power management unit monitors the voltage decay process and proactively enables the voltage regulator when the voltage approaches the minimum required level, ensuring the voltage remains adequate without requiring continuous operation. This preliminary action prevents voltage depletion while minimizing regulator operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the voltage regulator based on real-time voltage conditions. The power management unit adjusts the regulator's enable/disable state according to the monitored voltage level, transitioning between different operational states to balance power consumption and voltage adequacy. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying sleep mode durations and voltage decay rates.
3Measurement precision
If the voltage monitor operates continuously to monitor supply voltage, then voltage monitoring accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitor operates periodically rather than continuously. The power management unit enables the voltage monitor at specific intervals or when voltage events occur (such as when the voltage falls below the threshold), and disables it during stable periods. This periodic monitoring maintains adequate voltage surveillance while significantly reducing the power consumed by the monitoring circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage monitoring system is designed to be self-activating. When the monitored voltage falls below the predetermined threshold, the voltage monitor automatically triggers the power management unit to enable the voltage regulator, without requiring continuous active monitoring. This self-service mechanism reduces monitoring power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power consumption by optimizing voltage supply during inactive modes, ensuring efficient power management and extended battery life in low power applications.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage supply line connectable to ground via an external decoupling capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a power management unit for controlling power in a microcontroller. The unit causes a first voltage to be provided in an active mode. In a sleep mode, the unit determines whether a supply voltage is less than an upper reference voltage and, if so, cause a second voltage greater than the first voltage to be provided. If not, the unit inhibits operation of voltage regulation of power supplied to the microcontroller. After inhibition of operation of voltage regulation, the unit determines whether the supply voltage has fallen to a lower reference voltage and, if so, applies the second voltage to the microcontroller.