Low Power Standby Control Circuit for Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices continue to consume significant power in standby modes due to leakage current through transistors, which becomes a larger issue as device density increases, and new regulations require reduced power consumption, especially in television sets.
Innovation Solution
A low power standby mode control circuit is implemented, utilizing an additional power pin (LPSBV) to power down other power pins, allowing only the LPSBV to supply power during standby, and enabling normal operation with a wake-up signal, using field-effect transistors, resistors, and a microprocessor to manage the transition from standby to active mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If devices transition to standby mode to reduce power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but leakage current through transistors continues to consume significant power
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power pins (VDD, VSS, and a dedicated standby power pin). By separating the power supply into distinct segments, the patent enables selective powering down of specific transistor sections while maintaining minimal power for standby control, thereby reducing overall leakage current consumption without sacrificing wake-up functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the standby control functionality from the main power supply circuitry by introducing a dedicated standby power pin. This extracted control path allows the main transistor blocks to be completely powered down while maintaining a separate low-power wake-up mechanism, effectively removing the source of continuous leakage current consumption.
2Productivity
If device density increases to improve productivity, then more transistors are available for computation, but standby power consumption increases due to more transistors consuming leakage current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power supply characteristics for different transistor regions. High-density transistor blocks are completely powered down during standby, while a separate low-power standby pin maintains minimal power for control logic. This localized power management allows high device density to be achieved without proportionally increasing standby power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system transitions from a static all-or-nothing power mode to a dynamic selective power mode. During standby, the system dynamically adjusts power distribution by enabling only the essential standby power pin while disabling main power pins, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption profile to current operational needs and reducing leakage from high-density transistor arrays.
3Ease of operation
If conventional power management is used in standby mode, then simple control is maintained, but power consumption cannot meet new regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The standby power pin serves multiple functions: it provides power during normal operation, enables wake-up from standby mode, and maintains minimal power for control logic. This multi-functional design meets regulatory power reduction requirements while preserving ease of operation, as the same pin handles both power supply and control functions without requiring complex additional circuitry.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a low power standby mode control circuit. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a processor, an interface for a connection with a second apparatus, and an operational circuit, wherein the processor is to disable one or more power connections to the operational circuit in a standby mode. The apparatus further includes a standby mode control circuit, the standby control circuit to operate using a standby power source, wherein the standby mode control circuit is to detect a stimulus signal from the second apparatus and in response to the stimulus signal the standby control circuit is to signal the processor, the processor to enable the one or more power connections of the operational circuit.