Sensor System Configuration Data Memory for Fast Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems in IoT and smart home applications face challenges in reducing energy consumption during sleep modes, leading to longer startup times and increased energy usage due to inefficient configuration data management and mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a configuration data memory that maintains data independently of operating modes, allowing parts to be reconfigured quickly from sleep to active modes, reducing energy consumption and startup time, and featuring multiple operating modes for flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor system switches to sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but startup time increases when transitioning back to active mode
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data memory retains configuration data in a ready-to-use state even when the sensor system is in sleep mode. This preliminary preparation allows the system to skip the configuration loading step during startup, thereby reducing startup time while maintaining low power consumption during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration data storage function into a separate configuration data memory component that remains powered or retains data independently of the main sensor system's sleep mode. This separation allows the main system to consume minimal power while the configuration data remains accessible for rapid system reinitialization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration data are reloaded from external storage during startup, then system flexibility is maintained, but startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data are pre-loaded and stored in the configuration data memory before the sensor system enters sleep mode. This preliminary action ensures that when the system wakes up, the configuration data are already available in fast access memory, eliminating the need for time-consuming external loading while preserving system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data memory serves multiple functions: it stores configuration data for rapid access during startup, maintains data during sleep mode, and can be updated externally when needed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both fast startup and system flexibility through a single integrated solution.
3Speed
If all parts of the sensor system remain powered during active mode, then system responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system dynamically adjusts its operational state by switching between active and sleep modes based on external triggers. The configuration data memory maintains readiness during sleep mode, enabling the system to transition rapidly to active mode when needed, thus achieving both energy efficiency and responsiveness through dynamic state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement modes and sleep modes. During sleep mode, only the configuration data memory remains active or retains data, while other components are powered down. This periodic operation reduces average energy consumption while maintaining system responsiveness through rapid wake-up capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system including one sensor element for acquiring at least one measured variable, a circuit system for operating the sensor device and for generating sensor data based on the sensor signals, and a configuration data memory for configuration data. The sensor system is able to be alternatively operated in at least in an active mode, and in a sleep mode. The circuit system is configured in such a way that the memory content of the configuration data memory is independent of the respective operating mode of the sensor system, so that the stored configuration data are maintained in a sleep mode, and the sensor system is configured in such a way that the at least one part that is switched to a currentless state in the sleep mode is reconfigured on the basis of the stored configuration data when a change to an active mode is initiated.