Timekeeping Circuit Power Management via Voltage Threshold Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining the functionality of timekeeping circuits, particularly when the system battery is depleted, as existing solutions do not effectively manage power distribution between the main battery and the RTC coin battery, leading to potential data loss and inefficient battery life.
Innovation Solution
A power management system comprising a timekeeping circuit, voltage regulator, and controller that directs power supply from a set of battery cells to the timekeeping circuit based on voltage thresholds, ensuring continuous operation and efficient power usage, with the ability to switch from main battery to RTC coin battery power when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the system battery is used to power the RTC chip, then the RTC chip can operate continuously, but the RTC chip stops functioning when the system battery is completely discharged or not installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the system battery and RTC coin battery into a unified power supply system with intelligent switching control. The controller automatically selects the appropriate power source based on system battery status, merging the advantages of both batteries to ensure continuous RTC operation while extending functional duration beyond what either battery could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the system battery, RTC coin battery, and RTC chip. It monitors system battery status and automatically switches power sources, preventing direct connection issues and ensuring seamless power transition that maintains RTC chip functionality without user intervention.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a dedicated RTC coin battery is used, then the RTC chip remains functional when the system battery is depleted, but the system complexity increases and the coin battery cannot be easily removed for data erasure
Solution Approach 1:
The system battery is designed to serve dual purposes: powering the main system and serving as a backup power source for the RTC chip when the dedicated coin battery is absent or depleted. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for a separate coin battery in many cases, reducing system complexity while maintaining RTC functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages power source selection and switching without user intervention. The system self-monitors battery status and autonomously decides which power source to use, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or complex user-facing battery management interfaces.
3Device complexity
If the RTC chip is powered from the common battery system, then the power management becomes simpler, but the RTC chip functionality may be affected when system battery charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts power source selection based on real-time system battery charge levels. The controller continuously monitors battery status and automatically transitions between power sources, creating a dynamic power management system that maintains simple architecture while ensuring extended RTC operation duration through adaptive power source switching.
4Loss of energy
If the system battery voltage drops below a threshold, then power should be conserved, but the RTC chip must remain functional as long as possible
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically monitors system battery voltage levels and switches power sources at predetermined voltage thresholds. This periodic checking and threshold-based switching ensures that the RTC chip transitions to backup power at optimal moments, maximizing operational duration while minimizing energy waste from premature or delayed switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing electric power to a portable computer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a timekeeping circuit, a voltage regulator, a set of battery cells and a controller. The timekeeping circuit includes a clock circuit and a memory for storing a calendar time that is updated based on time information generated by the clock circuit. The battery cells can supply electric power to the voltage regulator, and the voltage regulator is capable of supplying electric power to the timekeeping circuit. When the output voltage from the battery cells exceeds a first voltage threshold, the controller directs the voltage regulator to supply electric power to the timekeeping circuit. When the output voltage from the battery cells drops below the first voltage threshold, the controller directs one of the battery cells to supply electric power to the timekeeping circuit.