Wireless Module Autonomous CPU Wake-Up Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication equipment requires an additional Microcontroller Unit (MCU) to wake up the Central Processing Unit (CPU) after shutdown, leading to increased costs and resource wastage, as the wireless module cannot autonomously power up the CPU.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where the wireless module monitors for a power-up signal and a control signal from a targeted wireless terminal to autonomously supply power to the CPU, eliminating the need for an additional MCU by integrating the waking functionality within the wireless module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional MCU is introduced to wake up the CPU after shutdown, then the CPU can be awakened reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewake-up reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wake-up monitoring function into the existing wireless module, eliminating the need for a separate MCU. The wireless module's processor is enhanced to monitor for wake-up signals and control power restoration, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless module is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the wireless communication interface and the wake-up trigger mechanism. The processor within the wireless module can execute both communication protocols and power management wake-up logic, making the component universal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an additional MCU is introduced to monitor wake-up signals, then the wake-up function is achieved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewake-up functionVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wake-up monitoring capability with the existing wireless module, eliminating the need for additional hardware resources. The same processor that handles wireless communications also monitors for wake-up signals, reducing overall resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless module autonomously monitors for wake-up signals and triggers the power restoration process without requiring external control from a separate MCU. The system serves itself by using existing resources to perform the wake-up function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the wireless module autonomously powers up the CPU, then cost and resource waste are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost reductionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless module is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the communication interface and the power management trigger. This universality reduces the need for separate components, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the wake-up monitoring function from the traditional MCU architecture and relocates it to the wireless module. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing both cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Speed

If the wireless module monitors for control signals during power-off state, then wake-up responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewake-up responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless module employs periodic monitoring of wake-up signals rather than continuous operation. The module can enter low-power states between monitoring intervals, checking for wake-up signals at specific periods, which maintains responsiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3136794B1Electronic equipment, method and device for waking up electronic equipment
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3136794B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3136794B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3136794B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Electronic equipment, and a method and device for waking up the electronic equipment are provided in the disclosure. The method for waking up the electronic equipment comprises monitoring (101) whether a first processor needs to be woken up, when the first processor is power-off; and controlling (102) a power supply module to supply power to the first processor to wake up the first processor, if the first processor needs to be woken up. In the disclosure, monitoring whether the first processor needs to be woken up can be performed by the wireless module intrinsic to the electronic equipment itself, rather than by an additionally added MCU; therefore, resource consumption of the equipment is reduced and costs of the equipment are reduced.