Sensor Node Power Management via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor nodes with radio communication function face challenges in maintaining continuous operation with limited battery life due to excessive power consumption, especially when intermittently sensing biological information, as all circuits are powered simultaneously during measurement and communication, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor node design that includes a control unit with a clock supply unit, standby control unit, sensor control unit, and radio communication control unit, which intermittently supplies power to the sensor and radio communication unit, suspending or lowering clock frequency during standby periods, and transmitting data en bloc to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor node operates intermittently with all circuits powered simultaneously during measurement and communication, then the sensor data can be transmitted by radio communication, but the power consumption becomes excessive and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into distinct components: sensor control unit, CPU control unit, and radio communication control unit. Each unit is independently controlled based on operational requirements, allowing the system to power only the necessary components at any given time rather than powering all circuits simultaneously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply state of each circuit component is adjusted in real-time based on operational needs. The control units transition between active and standby states dynamically, optimizing power consumption during different operational phases (sensing, processing, communication) rather than maintaining static power supply to all components.
2Speed
If the cycle of intermittent sensing is shortened to monitor biological information almost continuously, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the power consumption increases because all circuits are supplied with power during extended operational periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling each circuit component to operate in alternating active and standby states according to specific cycles. The sensor, CPU, and radio communication unit are activated only when needed for their respective functions, with standby periods in between, enabling continuous monitoring capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation of all components.
3Reliability
If the sensor, CPU and radio communication unit are started altogether at the same time, then the system can function properly, but the battery cannot stand extended use due to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into independently controlled segments (sensor unit, CPU unit, radio communication unit) with separate power supply control. This allows the system to activate only the necessary segments for each specific task rather than starting all components simultaneously, maintaining system functionality while extending battery life through reduced overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the control units to activate components in the optimal sequence and for the minimum necessary duration. Each control unit activates its associated component only when needed and keeps it in standby state otherwise, preventing unnecessary power consumption and extending battery life while ensuring system functionality is maintained when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor node for intermittently sensing data in a short cycle includes a control unit for acquiring information by driving the sensor, a radio communication unit for transmitting the information acquired by the control unit and a battery for supplying the control unit. The control unit includes a clock supply unit (RTC) for supplying the control unit with clocks at a predetermined frequency. A sensor control unit starts the supply of power to the sensor when the measurement period has begun, maintains the power supply to the sensor even if the control unit has shifted to the standby state during the measurement period, and shuts down the power supply to the sensor when the measurement period has been completed. A measurement unit is also provided for acquiring information from the sensor every time the latter has shifted to the operational state.