UART-Triggered Microcontroller Clocking for Low-Power Data Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontrollers face high power consumption due to constant operation of oscillators even during power-saving periods, making it difficult to reduce energy usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller design that includes a data input unit, an oscillator, and a CPU, where the oscillator starts only upon receiving a start request signal, and the CPU operates on a second clock signal only when data processing is necessary, allowing the oscillator to be stopped during idle periods to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the oscillator operates constantly to enable UART data reception at arbitrary timings, then the microcontroller can receive data without delay, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only when UART data reception is required and deactivated when no data is being received, converting constant operation into periodic operation to reduce power consumption while maintaining reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates the oscillator when data reception is needed and deactivates it when not needed, without requiring external control. The microcontroller itself manages the oscillator's operation state based on reception requirements.
2Productivity
If the CPU operates constantly to process received data, then data processing is immediate, but power consumption remains high during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The CPU operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated to process data when needed and enters a low-power state when no data processing is required, converting constant operation into periodic operation to reduce power consumption while maintaining processing capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the microcontroller enters a power-saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive UART data at arbitrary timings is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for data reception by monitoring for data arrival signals. When a data arrival indicator is detected, the oscillator is activated in advance to ensure the system is ready to receive and process the incoming UART data immediately, preventing any data loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller includes a data input unit that receives input data and outputs a start request signal according to the input data upon receiving the input data; an oscillator that starts according to the start request signal, to generate a clock signal; a clock signal supply control unit that outputs the start request signal supplied from the data input unit to the oscillator, and supplies the clock signal supplied from the oscillator generated after the start as a first clock signal and a second clock signal that are operation clock signals of the data input unit; and a CPU that operates the second clock signal as an operation clock, and performs processing according to the input data when the second clock signal is operated.