Power Management Unit Voltage Segmentation for Sleep Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face significant power management challenges in sleep mode due to high power consumption, which reduces battery efficiency and lifespan when no external power is available.
Innovation Solution
A power control method that utilizes a power management unit to provide distinct operating voltages to a sense module, receiver module, and application processor, allowing only the sense module to be powered in sleep mode, with the ability to switch on the receiver and application modules only when specific events are detected, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If all modules (sense module, receiver module, application processor) are kept active in sleep mode, then the device can respond quickly to user inputs, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent modules (sense module, receiver module, application processor) with separate power control. Each module can be independently powered on or off based on operational needs, allowing the system to segment power consumption by functional units rather than treating the entire device as a single power-consuming entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power state of each module is dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The power management unit switches modules between active and sleep states in real-time, making the power consumption dynamic rather than static, thereby optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy savings.
2Use of energy by moving object
If only the sense module is powered in sleep mode, then power consumption is minimized, but the device cannot recognize input events until the receiver module is activated
Solution Approach 1:
The sense module is kept in a preliminary active state during sleep mode, performing preliminary sensing operations. When it detects a sense event, it triggers the activation of the receiver module, thus preparing the system in advance and minimizing the delay before full functionality is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the sense module, receiver module, and application processor. It manages the power state transitions and event routing, enabling efficient communication and coordination between modules with different power states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are activated simultaneously, then all functions are available, but battery life is reduced due to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Different modules have different power states tailored to their specific functional requirements. The sense module operates in a low-power sensing mode, while the receiver module and application processor remain in deeper sleep states unless needed. This local differentiation of operational quality optimizes the balance between functionality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management unit dynamically changes operational parameters (power states, clock frequencies, voltage levels) of different modules based on system needs. By adjusting these parameters rather than simply switching modules on/off, the system maintains adaptability while optimizing power consumption to extend battery life.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a power management unit, a sense module, a receiver module and an application processor. The sense module powered by a first operating voltage from the power management unit provides a first control signal in response to a sense event when the portable electronic device is in a sleep mode. The receiver module is powered by a second operating voltage from the power management unit in response to the first control signal. When the receiver module is powered by the second operating voltage, the receiver module obtains and recognizes an input event and provides a second control signal when the input event is recognized. The application processor is powered by a third operating voltage from the power management unit in response to the second control signal.