Power Management Module for Overheating Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing current consumption in processors of multi-functional electronic devices leads to excessive heat generation, posing a challenge in managing power effectively and preventing device malfunction or failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power management module with a watchdog timer that monitors processor operations for abnormal conditions such as overcurrent, overheating, or system lock-up, and controls power supply to the battery and communication circuitry accordingly, ensuring stable operation by blocking power in abnormal states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor operates with increased current to support various functions, then the device functionality is improved, but excessive heat is generated causing device malfunction or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The watchdog timer continuously monitors processor operation in advance to detect abnormal states such as overheating or lock-up conditions before they cause device failure. This preliminary detection enables proactive power management actions to prevent malfunction
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the watchdog timer monitors processor status and provides information to the power management module, which then adjusts power supply accordingly. This closed-loop control enables dynamic response to thermal and operational conditions
2Productivity
If the processor consumes more current to handle multiple functions, then the processing capability is improved, but the reliability of the system decreases due to potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The watchdog timer is configured to detect processor lock-up or abnormal states within a predetermined time period, enabling early intervention before system failure occurs. This preliminary detection mechanism maintains system reliability despite high processing demands
Solution Approach 2:
The power management module receives feedback from the watchdog timer about processor status and dynamically adjusts power supply to the battery and communication circuitry, ensuring stable operation even under high processing loads
3Reliability
If the power supply is continuously provided to prevent system failure, then the system stability is improved, but power consumption increases during abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power management module dynamically adjusts power supply based on real-time processor status detected by the watchdog timer. Power is supplied normally during operation but blocked when abnormal states are detected, creating an adaptive power management system that balances stability and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the watchdog timer to control power management decisions. When the timer detects that the processor has not identified a register bit within the predetermined time, it signals the power management module to block power supply, preventing wasted energy during abnormal conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided comprising a system including one or more electronic components; a power input unit arranged to supply power to the system; and a power management module configured to: detect whether the system is in an abnormal state, and in response to detecting that the system is in the abnormal state, adjust at least one of (i) power supplied from a battery to the system, (ii) the power supplied from the power input unit to the system, and (iii) power supplied from the power input unit to the battery.