Photodiode-Triggered Amplifier Power Gating for Optical Signal Standby
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face redundant power consumption in standby mode when receiving and processing optical signals from external devices, as they must maintain power to all components, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a signal conversion unit with a photodiode that converts optical signals into electric signals, using a processor to control power supply to an amplifier only when an optical signal is detected, thereby reducing power consumption by disabling the amplifier in standby mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device maintains power to all components including the amplifier in standby mode to receive optical signals, then the device can immediately process optical signals when received, but the power consumption increases due to redundant components being powered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent parts: a first power supply that continuously powers the photodiode for optical signal detection, and a second power supply that is controlled to power the amplifier only when an optical signal is detected. This segmentation allows the photodiode to remain active in standby mode while the amplifier can be powered down, resolving the contradiction between maintaining signal reception capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the second power supply to the amplifier is dynamically controlled based on detection signals from the photodiode. When the photodiode detects an optical signal, it generates a detection signal that activates the second power supply to power the amplifier. When no signal is present, the amplifier remains unpowered. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while optimizing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the amplifier is powered down in standby mode to reduce power consumption, then energy use is optimized, but the device cannot immediately process optical signals when received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by keeping the photodiode continuously powered and active in standby mode through the first power supply. This allows the photodiode to be ready to immediately detect optical signals as soon as they arrive, generating a detection signal that quickly activates the amplifier via the second power supply. This preliminary preparation of the detection component eliminates the delay that would otherwise occur from powering up the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic power control mechanism ensures that when the photodiode detects an optical signal, the second power supply is rapidly activated to power the amplifier, enabling immediate signal processing. The system transitions from a low-power state to a full-processing state dynamically based on the presence of an optical signal, maintaining both energy efficiency and fast response capability.
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 significantly reduces redundant power consumption by ensuring the amplifier is only powered when processing optical signals, optimizing energy use during standby periods.
Implementation Method 1
a signal conversion unit configured to convert an optical signal into an electric signal, the signal conversion unit including a first photodiode and a second photodiode
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes an amplifier, a signal conversion unit configured to include at least one photodiode, in response to an optical signal being received from an external device, convert the received optical signal into an electric signal by using the at least one photodiode and output the electric signal, and a processor configured to control to supply power to the amplifier in response to the electric signal being received from the signal conversion unit, wherein the amplifier, in response to the power being supplied, receives the electric signal from the signal conversion unit, amplifies the received electric signal and outputs the amplified electric signal to the processor.