Variable Precision Thermal Sensor Adaptive Power Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in electronic devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy with fast response times while minimizing power consumption, which is crucial for mobile and battery-powered devices to prevent overheating and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
The development of variable precision thermal sensors that operate in both high power and low power modes, automatically switching between them based on temperature thresholds, and incorporating a processor to manage operational modes and take corrective actions, such as adjusting CPU settings or shutting down the device to maintain optimal temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high accuracy analog circuits are used in temperature sensors, then measurement precision and response time are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable precision thermal sensor that dynamically adjusts its measurement precision based on operational conditions. The sensor can switch between high precision mode (using high accuracy analog circuits when needed) and low precision mode (reducing power consumption when full accuracy is not required), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the thermal sensor, specifically adjusting the precision level and sampling rate based on temperature conditions and power availability. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high accuracy when necessary while consuming less power during normal operation
2Reliability
If high power modes are used continuously, then temperature monitoring accuracy and response time are maintained, but device battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by switching between high power and low power modes based on operational needs. The sensor uses high power mode periodically when accurate temperature monitoring is critical (such as when approaching thermal thresholds) and low power mode during stable conditions, thereby extending battery life while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor temperature conditions and automatically adjust power consumption levels. When temperature readings indicate stable conditions, the system reduces power consumption; when readings approach critical thresholds, the system increases power consumption to improve monitoring accuracy and response time
Data Source
AI summary
A high accuracy on-chip thermal sensor includes an integrated circuit and sensing elements. The thermal sensor finds application in various mobile and battery powered devices and includes a processor that analyzes a measured temperature signal and decides if the thermal sensor operates in low or high power operational mode, or if the device's CPU is to be reset. A method utilizing the thermal sensor includes making comparisons to two threshold temperatures and operating at low power mode below the first threshold temperature, high power mode between the two threshold temperatures and causing reset if the second threshold temperature is exceeded. Low power operational mode includes a lower clock frequency, lower bias current and lower power consumption. Higher power operational mode is used when the upper threshold temperature is being approached and includes a higher data sampling frequency and more accurate temperature control and uses higher power.