Processor Clock Throttling for Overcurrent Shutdown Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overcurrent protection (OCP) and sudden momentary power loss (SMPL) reset functions in electronic devices can inadvertently turn off the device during operation, causing inconvenience and reducing usability.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a charging circuit and processor that includes a first pin to output an overcurrent warning signal, reducing clock frequencies, display luminance, or charging current when a threshold current is reached, thereby preventing unnecessary power-offs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overcurrent protection function blocks power supply when current exceeds threshold, then circuit and battery are protected, but electronic device is turned off during operation causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The charging circuit outputs an overcurrent warning signal before the processor executes overcurrent protection that would turn off the device. This preliminary warning allows the processor to take preventive actions (reducing clock frequencies, reducing display luminance, reducing charging current) to avoid the harmful power-off effect while still protecting against actual overcurrent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the charging circuit monitors current and provides real-time overcurrent warning signals to the processor. The processor continuously adjusts operational parameters (clock frequencies, display luminance, charging current) based on this feedback to maintain current below the protection threshold while preserving device operation.
2Ease of operation
If processor reduces clock frequency and display luminance in response to overcurrent warning, then device operation is maintained, but processing speed and display quality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The processor dynamically adjusts clock frequencies and display luminance based on real-time overcurrent warning signals rather than maintaining fixed settings. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance within safe current limits, reducing parameters only when necessary to prevent overcurrent protection activation.
3Reliability
If SMPL reset function turns off device when battery voltage is low, then battery is protected from damage, but device operation is interrupted causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The charging circuit provides preliminary overcurrent warning signals before battery voltage drops to the SMPL reset threshold. This allows the processor to take preventive actions (reducing power consumption) before the harmful power-off effect occurs, extending device operation while still protecting the battery.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a battery, a power management module, a charging circuit, and a processor including a central processing unit (CPU) and a plurality of intellectual property (IP) blocks. The charging circuit is connected to the processor and includes a first pin to output a first overcurrent warning signal. The power management module is connected to the processor and includes a second pin to output a reset warning signal. The processor includes a first general purpose input output (GPIO) pin to receive the first overcurrent warning signal, and is configured to reduce at least one clock frequency among a plurality of clock frequencies set to each of the CPU and the plurality of IP blocks, or reduce at least one operation clock frequency of components inside the electronic device when the first overcurrent warning signal is received through the first GPIO pin.