Power Management System for Embedded Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadequate power management in embedded electronic devices integrated into complex systems, such as motor vehicles, leads to excessive power consumption, draining the system's power source and potentially rendering the device inoperable, with existing solutions failing to effectively distribute power draw between internal and external sources.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that dynamically switches between internal and external power sources, monitoring voltage levels to determine when to power, charge, or shut down the device, and adjust power consumption to prevent over-discharge, using a microprocessor-controlled circuitry to manage power distribution and protect both the internal battery and external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the embedded electronic device draws power continuously from the external power source, then the device maintains full functionality and performance, but the external power source becomes depleted and the device becomes inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors external power source voltage levels and switches to internal battery power before complete depletion occurs. This preliminary action prevents the external power source from being fully drained, ensuring the asset retains enough power for its primary functions while the embedded device continues operating on internal power.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded electronic device acts as an intermediary power management layer between the asset's external power source and the ultimate power consumer. By introducing this intermediate device with its own internal battery, the system creates a buffer that protects the external power source from complete depletion while maintaining device operation.
2Reliability
If an internal battery is added to the embedded device to provide reserve power, then the device can operate independently when external power is unavailable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a power management controller, a battery management system, and a functional electronic device all in one. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive power management and operational reliability.
3Productivity
If the device operates at full power consumption continuously, then the device maintains optimal performance, but it accelerates depletion of both internal and external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of power source voltage levels and dynamically adjusts power consumption accordingly. Rather than continuous full-power operation, the device periodically assesses power availability and modulates its performance level, switching between high-performance mode when power is abundant and low-power mode when reserves are depleting, thereby extending overall system operational duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system is provided to manage internal and external power sources for an embedded electronic device. The power management system includes an internal power source and an external power source. The power management system determines when to power the internal embedded electronic device or devices from either the internal or external power source, when to recharge the internal power source, when to shut down the internal embedded electronic device so as not to over discharge and damage the internal power source when external power is not available.