Microcontroller in POWER Electronics Applications (9)

Mobile Devices are usually Supplied by Single-use or Rechargeable Batteries. Therefore, the Microcontroller Embedded in such a Device must Consume as Little Energy as Possible. Microcontrollers Embedded in Mains-Powered Devices (via a Power Supply Unit) should also be Energy Efficient in order to keep up with the current trends related to cutting-edge Applications, but in their case Minimizing Power Consumption is not such a vital issue.

The Microcontroller Controlling a Battery-Powered Application should have a very High-Performance Core to perform as many Operations as Possible after waking it up from the Sleep Mode, in which it stays for Most of the Time (to Minimize Power Consumption). Therefore, a System with the 32-Bit ARM Core is the Best Choice for the majority of Mobile Devices. Microcontroller Speed in a Stationary Device with its Own Power Supply Module is important, but only for the Application Purposes.

In a Mobile Device, a Large Number of Possible Microcontroller Sleep States is an Advantage. It is Typical for 32-Bit Microcontrollers, whereas Simpler, 8-bit Models come with at one or Two Operation Modes at Lowered Power Consumption. It also often Happens that a Microcontroller can be ON or OFF. It doesn’t matter in the case of many Applications, but some more Advanced Applications may Require Running a Larger Number of Energy-Saving Modes. This Helps Minimize Average Power Consumption and extend the Battery Operation Time.

In a Mobile Battery-Powered Devices, the Microcontroller Supply Voltage must be Constant, and must be taken into account in at least two Cases. Firstly, it impacts the Microcontroller Operation Speed. It is usually the Case that Lower Power Supply Voltage Results in Slower Core Operation, as the Clocking Frequency is Lower, too. It is worth Considering this aspect when planning on the Code Execution Speed. In the Case of Interconnected External Systems, another important Question should be asked, i.e. whether the Microcontroller Supplied with Low-Voltage can operate, for Example, with interface Systems Requiring Higher Voltage. This means it must be checked whether such Systems are available at all, or Special Converters must be used, or the Microcontroller must be Supplied with Voltage Higher than Previously Planned.

Miled Kafrouni

MKafronics Instruments

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