Power Management Circuit Authority Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption, particularly in switching between low-power sleep modes and off modes, while ensuring automatic restoration of operational status upon AC power loss and determining if they are plugged into an AC power source, as per Energy Star specifications.
Innovation Solution
A power management method and device that utilize a power management circuit and control circuit with a control selection device to forward control authority between power paths, allowing for efficient switching between power modes and automatic restoration of operational status, using a power converter, switches, and a non-volatile memory to record and restore power operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the control circuit is powered down to reduce power consumption in off mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect AC power presence and restore operational status is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is divided into two independent circuits: a power management circuit that remains powered to handle power path control and AC power detection, and a control circuit that can be powered down to save energy. This segmentation allows the device to maintain essential functions while minimizing power consumption in off mode.
Solution Approach 2:
A control selection device acts as an intermediary between the power management circuit and the control circuit. It dynamically forwards control authority of the power path based on the operational state, ensuring that the power management circuit maintains control when the control circuit is powered down, thus preserving the ability to detect AC power and manage power paths without continuous control circuit operation.
2Reliability
If the control circuit remains powered to maintain operational status, then automatic restoration capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the control circuit based on device state. The control circuit is powered on when restoration capability is needed (after AC power loss) and powered off during normal off mode operation. The control selection device dynamically forwards control authority accordingly, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control selection device is added to forward control authority between circuits, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control selection device is designed with multi-functionality to minimize overall system complexity. It performs multiple functions: detecting the operational state of the control circuit, dynamically forwarding control authority of the power path, and coordinating between the power management circuit and control circuit. This single component handles what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management method and associated electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a power management circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a power path. The power management method includes detecting whether the control circuit is powered, forwarding a control authority of the power path to the control circuit when the control circuit is powered, and forwarding the control authority to the power management circuit when the control circuit is not powered.