Sensor System External Clock Energy Saving Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors in mobile applications face long startup times and high energy consumption due to internal clock supply, which is not efficiently managed in energy-saving modes, leading to prolonged waiting times for data access.
Innovation Solution
The sensor system employs an external clock signal for the communication unit in energy-saving mode, allowing it to operate without an internal oscillator, minimizing energy consumption by activating only necessary components and using a rapidly starting ring oscillator for quick initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor uses an internal clock supply for normal operation, then the sensor can operate independently and reliably, but the energy consumption increases and startup time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into two independent operational modes: normal operation mode with internal clock supply for full functionality, and energy-saving mode with external clock signal for minimal operation. This segmentation allows the sensor to choose between reliability and energy consumption based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction by making both modes available rather than forcing a single compromise solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational modes depending on system requirements. The sensor can transition from normal operation to energy-saving mode and back, adapting its behavior dynamically. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between reliability and energy consumption in real-time based on actual operational needs rather than being locked into a fixed configuration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor switches to energy-saving mode by turning off components, then energy consumption is reduced, but the startup time for data access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by keeping the memory unit powered on continuously in energy-saving mode, so that data is already ready for immediate access when needed. This eliminates the need to wait for memory initialization during startup, significantly reducing the effective startup time for data access while maintaining low energy consumption. The memory unit is prepared in advance without requiring full system initialization.
3Loss of time
If the sensor keeps all components switched on for rapid access, then data access is fast, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by keeping only the memory unit powered on in energy-saving mode rather than all components. This selective partial activation provides sufficient functionality for data storage and access while minimizing energy consumption. The memory unit maintains enough power to preserve and access data without requiring the full sensor system to be operational, achieving a balance between fast data access and low energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system including a detection unit, which is designed to detect at least one physical variable and to output corresponding measured values, and a communication interface, which includes a communication unit and is designed to output the detected measured values at least in a normal operating mode, and which is designed to receive a data signal, which includes a clock signal, the communication unit being designed to use the clock signal as the operating clock in an energy-saving operating mode. Furthermore, a corresponding method is described.