Transceiver Power Management for Vehicle Keyless Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing keyless entry and start systems for vehicles, such as PASE systems, face high power consumption issues due to continuous polling operations by microcontrollers and transmitting and receiving units, especially when vehicles are parked for extended periods, leading to increased energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement where the microcontroller controls the transmitting and receiving unit to switch into a second operating state with automatic repeated signal transmission at fixed intervals, using power-saving modulation and resonant circuits with lower power consumption, and the microcontroller enters a power-saving or inactive state, reducing energy consumption during prolonged polling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the microcontroller continuously controls the transmitting and receiving unit to perform polling operations, then the system can detect mobile transmitting and receiving units, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitting and receiving unit automatically performs repeated transmissions at fixed time intervals in a second operating state without continuous microcontroller control. This periodic automatic polling reduces microcontroller power consumption while maintaining detection capability through pre-configured automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitting and receiving unit is empowered to autonomously perform polling operations in the second operating state without continuous microcontroller intervention. The unit uses stored configuration data to automatically transmit at fixed intervals, making the system self-sufficient for routine polling while the microcontroller enters low-power state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If the microcontroller is continuously active to control polling operations, then the system responds quickly to events, but the power consumption remains high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses fixed time intervals for automatic transmissions in the second operating state, maintaining regular polling rhythm without continuous microcontroller activity. This periodic operation preserves system responsiveness while allowing the microcontroller to remain inactive between intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller performs preliminary configuration by transmitting control signals and configuration data before entering the power-saving state. This preliminary setup enables the transmitting and receiving unit to autonomously execute polling operations without real-time microcontroller control, ensuring quick response while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitting and receiving unit operates in a fully controlled mode by the microcontroller, then the system has high flexibility, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operating modes are segmented into two distinct states: a first operating state with full microcontroller control for flexible operation, and a second operating state with automatic autonomous operation for power-saving. This segmentation allows the system to switch between flexibility and energy efficiency based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two operating states depending on events. The microcontroller transitions from active control in the first state to power-saving mode in the second state, while the transmitting and receiving unit transitions from controlled operation to autonomous operation. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between control flexibility and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2311195B1Apparatus and method for reducing the current consumption of a control circuit
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2311195B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2311195B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2311195B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Apparatus and method for reducing the current consumption of a control circuit in which at least one transmitting and receiving unit that is electrically connected to a microcontroller transmits signals wirelessly through at least one transmitting antenna. By way of the microcontroller and in an active operating state thereof, control signals are transferred to the transmitting and receiving unit for the control thereof or configuration data are transferred for the operation of said unit. By way of the transmitting and receiving unit, in a first operating state transmission signals are issued therefrom while controlling the control signals of the microcontroller.  As a reaction to a first specified event, the transmitting and receiving unit is switched to a second operating state through a one-time transfer of corresponding configuration data by the microcontroller. In the second operating state, the transmitting and receiving unit automatically transmits repeated transmission signals. The microcontroller immediately switches to a current-saving or non-current, inactive operating state after said microcontroller has switched the transmitting and receiving unit to the second operating state. As a reaction to a second specific event, the transmitting and receiving unit switches to the first operating state and produces a state change signal for the microcontroller, which switches to the active operating state as a reaction thereto.