RTC Integrated Circuit Power Management Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available Real-Time Clocks (RTCs) face challenges in power management when using backup power sources, as they often require custom-designed systems for flexibility and standardization, leading to inefficiencies and limited operating life of backup power sources.
Innovation Solution
A real-time clock integrated circuit with a power management block that includes a Feed Power Downconverter Component to reduce voltage, a backup power source charger power booster/regulator component, charge control logic, and mode control logic, enabling efficient power management and extended operating life of backup power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed power management systems are used for each device, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power management integrated circuit that can serve multiple functions across different devices. The PMIC includes configurable components such as a programmable current source, adjustable voltage regulators, and selectable operating modes that can be tailored to different power source configurations (primary battery, secondary battery, super-capacitor, energy harvesting devices) without requiring custom design for each application. This multi-functional approach provides flexibility while maintaining standardized manufacturing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage from backup power source is reduced by downconverter, then power consumption is decreased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage downconverter functionality with the power management integrated circuit itself, merging multiple functions (voltage regulation, current control, power source management) into a single integrated device. The downconverter is implemented as an internal component of the PMIC, sharing circuitry and control logic with other power management functions. This integration reduces the need for separate external components while maintaining the power consumption benefits of voltage reduction.
3Reliability
If backup power source is charged from main power source, then backup power availability is improved, but power loss during charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a programmable current source that can dynamically adjust charging parameters based on the state of the backup power source and system requirements. The charge control logic monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature to optimize charging conditions, reducing power losses through efficient charge transfer. The system can modify charging current levels and voltage thresholds to minimize energy dissipation while ensuring reliable backup power charging.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple power management functions are integrated in single circuit, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes the power management integrated circuit into distinct functional blocks or modules, each handling specific tasks such as power source selection, voltage regulation, current control, and charge management. This modular segmentation within the integrated circuit allows for systematic design and manufacturing processes, enabling standard fabrication techniques while maintaining functional clarity. Each module can be independently optimized and tested, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-functional nature of the device.
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 provides exceptional design flexibility, reduces power consumption, and extends the operating life of backup power sources by efficiently managing power input and usage, making it suitable for a wide range of devices.
Implementation Method 1
a Feed Power Downconverter Component configured to reduce voltage potential from the backup power source prior to feeding power to the RTC block by a factor of at least 3:2
Implementation Method 2
a backup power source charger power booster/regulator component to increase or regulate voltage from the primary power source to a predetermined charger input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A real time clock and power management integrated circuit consists of a) an RTC block comprising an internal clock generator for generating a system clock signal that controls a device and b) a power management block. The power management block comprises primary and backup power source connections, a Feed Power Downconverter Component, a backup power source charger power booster/regulator component to increase or regulate voltage from the primary power source to a predetermined charger input voltage, a charge control logic component, a backup power source cut-off logic component, and a mode control logic component to enable operation of the charge control logic component and the battery cut-off logic component under predetermined conditions.