Processing Unit Activation Circuit Using Single Reference Voltage Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for activating processing units from sleep mode require complex and expensive constant reference-voltage supplies, often failing to meet input impedance demands and resulting in inefficient energy management, especially in motor vehicle control units.
Innovation Solution
A circuit configuration that uses a single reference-voltage source and a high-side switch to activate processing units upon receiving an activation signal, providing a time delay and eliminating the need for two separate reference-voltage sources, thus reducing complexity and cost while ensuring precise timing and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods use constant reference-voltage supplies for processing units in sleep mode, then the processing units can be reliably activated, but the energy consumption increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference-voltage supply from the constant power domain and places it in the sleep domain, where it is only activated when needed for wake-up events. This allows the reference-voltage source to be disconnected during normal sleep operation, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining activation reliability when wake-up signals occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit prepares the reference-voltage source in advance by keeping it disconnected during sleep mode, and only connects it when a wake-up event is detected. The wake-up circuit is pre-configured to enable the reference-voltage supply upon detecting an activation signal, ensuring reliable activation without continuous energy consumption.
2Loss of time
If conventional methods use two separate reference-voltage sources, then the activation timing can be controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate reference-voltage sources into a single reference-voltage source that is shared between the first and second comparators. This is achieved by using a multiplexer or switch controlled by the wake-up circuit to connect the single reference-voltage source to the appropriate comparator based on the activation stage, thereby reducing component count while maintaining precise timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single reference-voltage source is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides reference voltages for both the first comparator (for initial wake-up detection) and the second comparator (for timing control). The wake-up circuit intelligently routes the reference-voltage signal to the appropriate comparator based on the current activation stage, making the reference-voltage source universal and multi-functional.
3Speed
If the reference-voltage source is connected during sleep mode, then activation can be detected immediately, but the input impedance demands are not met and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection scheme where the reference-voltage source is connected to the comparators only when needed for wake-up detection, rather than being permanently connected. The wake-up circuit controls the timing of this connection, ensuring that the reference-voltage source is activated only during wake-up events, thus meeting input impedance demands while enabling immediate activation detection when required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient and cost-effective activation of processing units with minimal energy consumption, meeting stringent start-up times and impedance demands, and enabling reliable distinction between activation signal durations, thereby optimizing energy management in motor vehicle control units.
Implementation Method 1
The first comparator compares the activation signal with a first reference voltage in order to detect a high level of the activation signal
Implementation Method 2
The second comparator compares a voltage, in particular in order to represent a desired time lag on the basis of a charge curve at a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activating a processing unit using a circuit configuration in response to an activation signal, and when the activation signal exceeds a switching threshold, a reference-voltage source is connected to a supply-voltage source, the reference-voltage source supplies a first reference voltage at a first comparator and supplies a second reference voltage at a second comparator, the first comparator carries out a comparison with the first reference voltage in order to detect a high level of the activation signal, and the second comparator carries out a comparison with a second reference voltage, and if a high level of the activation signal is detected, a voltage supply is activated with a time delay at a particularly low deviation from the desired delay time, via a variation of the supply voltage and the temperature.