Microcontroller Reference Voltage Circuit Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems on a chip, reference voltage circuits continue to draw significant power even in power saving mode, contributing to overall power consumption, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage power states to reduce this consumption or optimize startup times.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller system with a power state logic controller that switches between higher and lower power reference voltage circuits, enabling the lower power circuit during power saving mode and the higher power circuit upon exiting, along with a secondary reference voltage circuit for faster startup, allowing selection based on power consumption and accuracy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference voltage circuit operates continuously to provide stable voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases during power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage circuit is divided into two separate circuits: a first reference voltage circuit optimized for low power consumption and a second reference voltage circuit optimized for high accuracy. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate circuit based on operational mode, resolving the contradiction between power saving and voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first and second reference voltage circuits based on the operational state. During power saving mode, the low-power circuit is selected; during active mode, the high-accuracy circuit is selected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the reference voltage source for current operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a high accuracy reference voltage circuit is used, then voltage accuracy is improved, but startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first reference voltage circuit with faster startup is enabled during the startup phase and power saving mode to quickly provide sufficient voltage. Once the system enters active mode, the second high-accuracy circuit is enabled. This preliminary action of using the faster circuit first resolves the contradiction by accepting lower accuracy temporarily to achieve quick startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the reference voltage circuits by switching between two different circuits with different characteristic parameters (speed vs. accuracy). This parameter change allows optimization of startup time when speed is critical, while maintaining voltage accuracy when precision is required.
3Speed
If reference voltage circuit remains active to support quick resume, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases in power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage functionality is segmented into two circuits with different power characteristics. The first circuit consumes less power and can be quickly re-enabled, while the second circuit provides high accuracy when fully active. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing quick resume with minimal power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between power saving and active modes, with the reference voltage circuits appropriately enabled for each phase. During power saving mode, the low-power circuit is enabled; upon exiting power saving mode, the high-accuracy circuit is enabled. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by optimizing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining quick resume capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller system includes a higher power reference voltage circuit and a lower power reference voltage circuit configured to draw less power than the higher power reference voltage circuit when enabled. The system includes a power state logic controller configured to enable the lower power reference voltage circuit to provide a first regulated voltage during a power saving mode, and, on exiting the power saving mode, enable the higher power reference voltage circuit to provide a second regulated voltage.