Dual-MCU Smartwatch BLE Data Transmission Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart watches with single-chip MCU solutions to save power still require frequent waking of the smart OS, leading to high power consumption due to the inability of the MCU to independently handle Bluetooth data transmission when the OS is asleep.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-MCU system where a first MCU operates low-power functions during the smart OS sleep, using a BLE module to communicate with the OS or mobile terminal independently, reducing power consumption by avoiding OS wake-up during Bluetooth data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single-chip MCU solution is used to replace the smart OS for basic functions, then power consumption is reduced, but the smart OS still needs to wake up frequently to handle other functions, resulting in high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent MCU units: a first MCU that handles Bluetooth communication and a second MCU that handles display and touch functions. This segmentation allows each MCU to operate independently, with the first MCU capable of handling Bluetooth operations without requiring the second MCU or smart OS to wake up, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining complete functionality.
2Reliability
If the smart OS is kept running to handle all functions, then functional completeness is maintained, but power consumption increases due to frequent wake-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The first MCU is equipped with a BLE module that can independently perform Bluetooth data transmission and processing without requiring the smart OS or second MCU to be active. This self-service capability allows the Bluetooth function to operate autonomously, reducing the need for frequent OS wake-ups and lowering overall power consumption while maintaining functional completeness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the first MCU handles Bluetooth communication independently during smart OS sleep, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission to the smart OS requires additional coordination
Solution Approach 1:
A data buffer is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first MCU and the second MCU/smart OS. When the first MCU receives Bluetooth data during smart OS sleep, it stores the data in the buffer. Upon smart OS wake-up, the buffered data is automatically transferred, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination and allowing asynchronous operation that reduces power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data transmission method, apparatuses, and a smart watch device. A first BLE module of a first MCU of a smart watch receives an instruction of transmitting data which includes an instruction of transmitting the data to an AP of the smart watch or a mobile terminal. The first BLE module determines whether the AP is in a wake-up state if the instruction is to transmit the data to the AP, and transmits the data to a second BLE module of the AP through a RFCOMM interface if the AP is determined to be in the wake-up state, otherwise, buffers the to-be-transmitted data. The first BLE module synchronizes state information to the second BLE module if the instruction is to transmit the data to the mobile terminal, and transmits the data to the mobile terminal through the RFCOMM interface.