Power Control Circuit for 5G Modem Shutdown Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile communication systems, the independent power supply systems of application processors (AP) and 5G modems can lead to abnormal power consumption when the AP fails to shut down the modem due to anomalies in communication, resulting in incomplete shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A power control device with a modem, first and second power management modules, and a control circuit that converts control signals to ensure the modem is properly shut down, even in cases of communication anomalies, by using a control circuit to convert signals from the second power management module to the first power management module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If independent power supply systems are used for AP and modem, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates when communication anomalies prevent proper shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
A control circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the AP and the modem power management system. This control circuit receives shutdown instructions from the AP and actively manages the modem's power supply through a power management module, ensuring reliable shutdown even when direct AP-modem communication fails. The intermediary structure maintains the independence of power supply systems while adding a layer of control that prevents the reliability issue.
2Device complexity
If direct control from AP to modem is used, then device complexity is reduced, but abnormal power consumption occurs when shutdown fails due to communication anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit serves as a mediator that ensures complete shutdown of the modem by actively controlling the power management module. When the AP issues a shutdown instruction, the control circuit monitors and executes the power cutoff, preventing the modem from remaining in an abnormal power consumption state. This intermediary control mechanism resolves the energy loss issue while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback control by monitoring the shutdown process and adjusting the power supply state accordingly. When a shutdown instruction is received, the control circuit actively manages the power cutoff and can detect whether the shutdown was successful, ensuring that the modem transitions to a low-power state. This feedback mechanism prevents abnormal power consumption without requiring complex direct control pathways.
3Device complexity
If simple power management without control circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but shutdown reliability deteriorates under communication anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is positioned as an intermediary layer between the AP and the modem power management system. It receives shutdown commands from the AP and actively controls the power supply to the modem through the power management module. This intermediary structure adds minimal complexity while significantly improving shutdown reliability by ensuring that the modem receives proper power cutoff instructions even when direct communication between AP and modem is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs preliminary actions by proactively managing the power supply state before communication anomalies can cause issues. When a shutdown instruction is received, the control circuit immediately initiates the power cutoff sequence through the power management module, preventing the modem from entering an abnormal state. This preliminary control action ensures reliable shutdown while maintaining simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control device includes: a modem, a first power management module connected to the modem, an AP, a second power management module connected to the AP, and a control circuit connected to the AP, the first power management module and the second power management module. The second power management module is configured to output a second control signal to the first power management module. The AP is configured to generate a first control signal and output the first control signal to the control circuit in a case that a shutdown instruction is received or an abnormal power-down is detected. The control module is configured to convert the second control signal into a third control signal under control of the first control signal. The first power management module is configured to stop power supply to the modem under control of the third control signal.