Spot Mode Power Saving in MEMS Sensor Signal Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, such as gyroscopes, face significant power consumption challenges, particularly in wireless applications like mobile phones, due to the need for precise amplitude and phase control of driving signals, which limits their wide adoption.
Innovation Solution
A sensor signal processor operates in a 'spot mode' with a sensor readout circuit, amplitude controller, and phase controller, where a subset of functional blocks are powered off during active power saving durations and refreshed during inactive durations, reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If amplitude and phase control loops are continuously operated to maintain precise control of MEMS driving signals, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the amplitude and phase control loops intermittently rather than continuously. The system alternates between active measurement phases where full control precision is maintained and sleep phases where control loops are suspended or reduced, thereby achieving significant power savings while preserving measurement accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control loop operation adaptive and variable. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of control loops based on real-time conditions, switching between full operation, reduced operation, and suspended states. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain precision when required while minimizing power consumption during periods of lower demand.
2Speed
If the sensor signal processor operates continuously with full functional blocks to maintain real-time amplitude and phase control, then responsiveness and measurement accuracy are improved, but power consumption becomes excessive for wireless applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by structuring operation into distinct active and sleep cycles. During active periods, full processing functionality operates at complete speed for real-time control. During sleep periods, functional blocks are powered down or placed in low-power states, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to rapidly resume full operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processor into multiple independent functional blocks that can be selectively activated. By dividing the processor into separable units, the system can power down entire segments during low-demand periods while keeping critical segments operational, achieving power savings without completely sacrificing response capability.
3Reliability
If amplitude controller and phase controller are always active to maintain controlled oscillation, then sensor performance and measurement reliability are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the control system's operational state variable rather than fixed. The amplitude and phase controllers dynamically transition between active and inactive states based on system conditions, allowing the complexity to be effectively reduced during operation without permanently simplifying the hardware architecture. This dynamic state management maintains reliability when needed while reducing average complexity exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic action by cycling the controllers through active and inactive phases. During active phases, full control functionality ensures reliable operation. During inactive phases, the controllers are suspended or minimized, reducing the effective complexity and power consumption. This periodic activation pattern maintains reliability over time while managing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor system, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of processing a sensing signal from a sensor to generate amplitude and phase controls for driving this sensor in a controlled manner and enabling synchronized operation of the sensor system. A signal processor in the sensor system comprises a sensor readout circuit, an amplitude controller and a phase controller. A subset of functional blocks in the signal processor may alternate between active and inactive power saving durations. During the active power saving durations, the subset of functional blocks are powered off or functionally disabled to conserve power consumption. The amplitude and phase controls are latched for the purposes of properly maintaining the driving signal and the system clock. During the subsequent inactive power saving durations, the subset of functional blocks return to normal operation to refresh the amplitude and phase controls.