Watch Circuit Initialization for Autonomous Peripheral Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic watch circuits face high electrical consumption and lack of flexibility due to processor-intensive management, leading to reduced battery life and inventory issues from specific wiring requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with initialization means allowing peripheral controllers to operate independently of the processor and non-volatile memory, using multiplexers and a programmable memory to configure peripherals for autonomous operation, reducing electrical consumption and enabling flexible application implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor manages all communications between peripherals through centralized control, then the watch functions can be executed with a fixed architecture, but the electrical consumption increases significantly and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized processor control into distributed peripheral controllers, each capable of autonomous operation. The processor is divided into a configuration unit (for initial setup) and an execution unit (for runtime operations), while peripheral controllers handle specific functions independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous processor intervention, reducing electrical consumption from 7.6 μA to 400 nA while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through the configuration unit that pre-configures peripheral controllers before runtime operations. All necessary parameters, communication protocols, and operational modes are established in advance during a one-time initialization phase. This allows peripheral controllers to operate autonomously without requiring continuous processor management, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring correct functional execution.
2Reliability
If the processor is involved in every operation and communication, then all functions can be centrally controlled, but the battery life is reduced due to high electrical consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control authority from a single processor to multiple autonomous peripheral controllers. Each peripheral controller manages its own operations and communications, requiring minimal processor intervention. This segmentation enables the system to maintain reliable centralized control through the configuration unit while extending battery life by reducing overall electrical consumption from 7.6 μA to 400 nA.
Solution Approach 2:
Peripheral controllers are designed to be self-sufficient, handling their own configuration, operation, and communication without continuous processor assistance. The configuration unit performs preliminary setup, and execution units handle runtime operations independently. This self-service capability extends battery life by minimizing the duration and frequency of high-power processor operations while maintaining reliable control.
3Reliability
If connection means are arranged for all communications to pass through the processor, then system control is centralized, but the device complexity increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture from a single processor hub to a distributed network of peripheral controllers. Each peripheral controller has direct communication capabilities with other peripherals, eliminating the need for all communications to pass through the processor. This segmentation maintains reliable system control through the configuration unit while significantly improving circuit flexibility and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal communication interfaces and standardized connection means that can be configured for different applications. The configuration unit programmatically sets up peripheral controllers for various functions (timekeeping, chronograph, alarm, etc.), allowing the same hardware architecture to adapt to different watch types and functions. This multi-functionality approach enhances circuit flexibility while maintaining reliable control without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The circuit (1) has a processor (2) i.e. CPU, connected to a non-volatile memory (3) e.g. flash memory. Connection units constituted by multiplexers (6a, 6b) and a communication bus (7) connect peripheral controllers (4), the processor and the memory to communicate information relating to operation of a watch with each other. An initialization unit (8) i.e. programmable memory, acts on the controllers to initialize the controllers by sending data without intervention of the processor and by permitting the controllers to execute operations independent of the processor and the memory. An independent claim is also included for method for actuating an electronic circuit of a watch.