Monitoring Unit Energy Buffer Discharge Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for control units in vehicle components, such as microcontrollers, face challenges in verifying correct transitions to energy-saving states, especially when the WATCHDOG function is disabled, as essential resources like communication interfaces are not available in reduced energy modes, making it difficult to monitor and ensure proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A method where a monitoring unit with a voltage regulator and energy buffer checks the discharge characteristics of the energy buffer store to verify the control unit's energy consumption, using a configurable duty cycle to assess if the control unit has correctly transitioned to an energy-saving state, and detects errors by evaluating voltage drops across the energy buffer, allowing for application-dependent measures like resetting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the control unit transitions to energy-saving state (STOP or SLEEP mode), then energy consumption is reduced, but the WATCHDOG function cannot be operated correctly since control unit resources are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate energy store (capacitor) as a mediator between the voltage regulator and the control unit. This energy buffer allows the WATCHDOG function to operate independently during control unit sleep modes by providing sufficient energy from the capacitor without requiring the control unit's communication interfaces to be active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monitoring function into two parts: the WATCHDOG function that requires minimal energy and can operate during sleep modes, and the main control unit that enters low-power state. By separating these functions and providing dedicated energy supply through the capacitor, the system achieves both energy savings and reliable monitoring.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the WATCHDOG function is deactivated during energy-saving modes, then the control unit can operate in STOP or SLEEP mode, but monitoring of the control unit's correct function and state transition cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring unit continuously checks the charge level of the intermediate energy store capacitor. By monitoring the capacitor's charge state and comparing it against expected values, the system can determine whether the control unit is in the correct operating mode and has transitioned properly, maintaining monitoring capability without requiring the WATCHDOG to be fully active.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves as an intermediary that provides observable characteristics (charge level, discharge rate) that reveal information about the control unit's operational state. By measuring the capacitor's behavior rather than directly querying the control unit, the monitoring unit can infer the control unit's state without requiring communication resources.
3Reliability
If additional hardware is added to monitor control unit state transitions, then monitoring capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the intermediate energy store capacitor serve multiple functions: it provides energy buffering for the WATCHDOG function, enables detection of control unit operational state through its charge/discharge characteristics, and facilitates monitoring of state transitions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing capacitor in the voltage regulator circuit for dual purposes: its original energy buffering function and as a monitoring sensor. The capacitor's natural charge/discharge behavior during different operational modes provides the monitoring information, eliminating the need for additional sensing hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables the detection of correct transitions to energy-saving states and identifies errors in microcontrollers, even with a deactivated WATCHDOG, without requiring additional hardware, ensuring the system can be cost-optimized and adapted for specific applications, allowing for reliable operation and fault handling.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator provided with an energy buffer (26) for generating a supply voltage for the control unit (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves providing control unit (14) in normal operating state for driving electrical component in intended operating state by a monitoring unit (12) and selectively converting into energy-saving state in which the unit decreases energy intake relative to normal operating condition. The current energy consumption of control unit is checked for compliance with the expected power consumption when control unit for taking power saving state is activated by monitoring unit based on discharge characteristic of a power store (26) described unloading parameter.