Real-time Clock Module Power Control for External Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time clock devices struggle to reduce power consumption when an externally attached memory device writes time data, as they cannot control the power supply to the memory device effectively.
Innovation Solution
A real-time clock module that includes a timing circuit, a master interface circuit for the memory device, a power supply circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit writes target time data to the memory device after starting the power supply and stops the supply once the data is written, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is continuously provided to an externally attached memory device for time data storage, then data retention is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit activates the power supply to the memory device only when time data needs to be written, rather than keeping it continuously powered. This preliminary activation ensures data can be stored when needed while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is powered in periodic intervals - activated when time data writing is required and deactivated when not in use. This periodic power supply pattern maintains data storage capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to memory device is stopped immediately after data writing, then power consumption is reduced, but data writing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors the data writing process and determines the optimal timing to stop power supply. By using feedback from the writing status, the system ensures data is successfully written before deactivating the power supply, thus maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is activated in advance before data writing begins and is stopped after writing is confirmed complete. This timing control ensures the memory device has sufficient power throughout the writing process, guaranteeing data integrity while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If built-in nonvolatile memory is used with controlled current supply, then power consumption is reduced, but externally attached memory devices cannot have their power consumption controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the externally attached memory device. It manages the power supply timing and duration, enabling power consumption control for external memory devices just as effectively as built-in memory, thus extending the power management capability to various memory types.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control mechanism is designed to work with both built-in and externally attached memory devices. By creating a universal power management system that can control power supply to different memory types, the invention achieves both power reduction and broad compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A real-time clock module coupled to a memory device includes: a timing circuit configured to measure a time to generate time data; a first interface circuit configured to function as a master interface for the memory device; a power supply circuit configured to supply a power supply voltage to the memory device; and a control circuit configured to write, to the memory device, target time data corresponding to at least a part of time digits of the time data via the first interface circuit after the supply of the power supply voltage to the memory device is started, and to stop the supply of the power supply voltage after the target time data is written.