Application Processor Clock Signal Selection for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices consume unnecessary power due to prolonged active periods when processing sensing-data from sensor modules, even when not required, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An application processor with a sensor sub-system that selectively uses internal or external clock signals based on operating speed requirements, adjusting modes and clock frequencies to optimize power consumption by activating the main central processing device only when necessary, and reducing sensor module operations during low battery states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the application processor remains in active mode to process sensing-data, then the sensing-data can be processed efficiently, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application processor into two independent operational modes: sleep mode for low-power operation and active mode for high-performance sensing-data processing. The sensor sub-system can operate independently in sleep mode to collect sensing-data, while the main central processing device remains dormant, avoiding unnecessary power consumption when full processing capability is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between sleep mode and active mode based on the operational requirements of the sensor sub-system. When sensing-data processing is needed, the system transitions to active mode; when not needed, it returns to sleep mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between processing efficiency and power consumption in real-time.
2Reliability
If the application processor switches to active mode frequently to process sensing-data, then sensing capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sensor sub-system to perform preliminary sensing operations while the application processor is in sleep mode. The sensor sub-system can collect and preliminarily process sensing-data independently, reducing the frequency with which the main central processing device needs to be activated, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining sensing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor sub-system acts as an intermediary between the sensor modules and the main central processing device. It can buffer, filter, and preliminarily process sensing-data in sleep mode, then transfer only essential information to the active main processing device, reducing the overhead of frequent mode switching and minimizing power consumption.
3Speed
If the application processor uses external clock sources for high-speed operation, then processing speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock signal selection where the sensor sub-system can switch between internal and external clock sources based on processing requirements. When high-speed processing is needed, the external clock source is activated; when processing can proceed at lower speeds, the internal clock source is used, thereby optimizing the balance between processing speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter dynamically by selecting between internal and external clock sources. The system monitors processing needs and adjusts the clock signal parameters accordingly, using higher frequencies from external sources when necessary and lower frequencies from internal sources when power saving is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An application processor includes a main central processing device that operates based on an external main clock signal received from at least one external clock source when the application processor is in an active mode, at least one internal clock source that generates an internal clock signal, and a sensor sub-system that processes sensing-data received from at least one sensor module on a predetermined cycle when the application processor is in the active mode or a sleep mode, and that operates based on the internal clock signal or an external sub clock signal received from the external clock source depending on an operating speed required for processing the sensing-data.