KR20100074526A - Apparatus having self shutdown function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An electronic device is provided to reduce power consumption by automatically being inactivated when a standby mode command is received or an operation is completed. CONSTITUTION: A power supply unit(110) comprises an energy conversion unit, a rectifier, and a charging unit. An energy converter converts vibration energy into AC electric energy. A rectifier rectifies the AC electric energy into electric energy. The charging unit stores the rectified electric energy. An operation unit(150) is operated by the electric energy from a power supply unit. A power controller(130) is activated by a wake-up signal. A power controller is inactivated by a cut-off signal.

Description

Electronic device with self power off function {APPARATUS HAVING SELF SHUTDOWN FUNCTION}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device having a self power off function. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self power supply that automatically deactivates itself by minimizing power consumption when receiving a command to complete a predetermined operation or operate in a standby mode. An electronic device having a blocking function.

The present invention is derived from the research conducted as part of the IT core technology development project of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Ministry of Information and Communication Research.

[Task Management No .: 2008-F-050-01, Title: U-Scavenging Post System Optimal Design, Implementation Study]

In order to implement ubiquitous computing and network communication system technology, research and development of low power computing and communication technology is considered to be a very important factor.

In the implementation and application of ubiquitous computing and communication systems, the maintenance, management and portability of a number of systems scattered and applied in various environments, securing appropriateness for efficiency and efficiency, and improving efficiency have been highlighted. Research and development on element technology is required.

In particular, USN (Ubiquitous Sensor Network) is a technology that aims to implement a ubiquitous environment using a sensor node network. USN is a network configured to wirelessly collect information collected from various sensor nodes. For example, by installing hundreds to thousands of sensor nodes on a vulnerable earth that is inaccessible to humans, we can collect information within that earth just as humans do.

With the development of wireless personal area network (WPAN) technology and micro network device technology, USN-related sensor network technology is being activated.

USN-based sensor node networks are being applied to home automation, ecological monitoring, etc., but they are widely used in the fields such as safety monitoring of infrastructures such as buildings, bridges, roads, forest fire monitoring, industrial facility monitoring, and defense. Is expected.

The most important technology in the implementation of USN is the reliability of delivering accurate information quickly. Also important is the technology that minimizes power consumption and manages the power supplied to the sensor nodes.

For example, in a sensor node network in a ubiquitous environment where hundreds or thousands of sensor nodes are wirelessly deployed in a building, if each sensor node is battery-based, all of the batteries needed to operate each sensor are regularly It is unrealistic to replace it, since the cost of maintenance and repair will be enormous.

Therefore, there is a need for a technology that extends battery life by minimizing power consumption. However, a battery with a lifespan as long as the life of the sensor node is not suitable due to its size or price issue, and for this reason, a new concept of power supply is needed especially for the sensor node network.

There is a solution using a battery or fuel cell with a new concept of power density, which greatly improves the power density per volume. However, the current size, performance, and speed of technology development make it almost impossible to apply to USN.

Therefore, research and development on a technology for acquiring power required for the operation of the sensor by converting surrounding energy into electrical energy, that is, power scavenging, is required.

Power acquisition technology refers to a technology that extracts power from several uW to several mW from unused energy such as vibration caused by human movement, vibration of structures such as buildings, bridges, water pipes, automobile heat, geothermal heat, and light. do.

In particular, when providing power acquired in connection with a small terminal such as a sensor node, the corresponding power acquisition configuration is also referred to as a micro power generator (MPG).

In particular, the sensor node can be designed using a low power electronic circuit design, and can operate using a power in uW when the duty cycle is low. Therefore, it is expected that MPG can be implemented in particular in the form of being connected to a sensor node or embedded in a wireless sensor node.

For example, in the case of acquiring power using vibration or ambient lighting as an energy source, the MPG may supply power required for the operation of the sensor node.

In order to operate the sensor node, a charge of a predetermined level or more needs to be charged in the charging part of the sensor node, for example, the MPG may charge the corresponding charging part.

Therefore, the sensor node cannot operate when there is a charge lower than the corresponding level, so the sensor node should be turned off.

That is, in the case of supplying power required for the operation of the sensor node using the MPG, there is a need for a method of controlling to activate or deactivate the sensor node according to the state of charge charge.

In particular, the sensor node network in a real environment has a plurality of sensor nodes corresponding to one sink node. Therefore, when one sink node randomly activates or deactivates a plurality of sensor nodes, a signal collision may occur.

It is also possible to deactivate the sensor node depending on the state of charge. For example, if the stored charge is lost at the sensor node, it may be automatically turned off regardless of the sensor node state. However, if it is completely discharged, it takes a long time before the charging part of the sensor node is recharged, which results in a waste of energy acquired from the MPG.

In addition, when the number of sensor nodes is small or when applied to a small terminal instead of a sensor node it is also possible to use a battery configuration. However, even when the sensor node or the small terminal uses a battery, power consumption should be minimized in order to prolong the battery replacement cycle.

Therefore, there is a growing need for an efficient power management method for applying to a sensor node using an MPG or a small wireless terminal using a battery or a sensor node using a battery.

Meanwhile, a method for minimizing standby power has also been studied in general electronic devices.

For example, in the case of a TV or the like, power is supplied to receive and operate an input signal from a remote control or the like even when the power is turned off.

Therefore, even if the power is consumed even in the standby state, a way to reduce this has been studied.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device having a self-power off function that minimizes power consumption by automatically deactivating itself when a command for completing a predetermined operation or receiving a command to operate in a standby mode is provided.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy, an operation unit operating by receiving the electrical energy from the power supply unit, and is activated when receiving a predetermined wake-up signal to operate the electrical energy The present invention provides an electronic device having a self-power-off function including a power control unit which deactivates the supply of electric energy and then deactivates the supply of the electric energy when a negative supply signal is supplied to the unit.

In an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power supply unit includes an energy conversion unit for converting vibration energy into alternating electrical energy, a rectifying unit for rectifying the alternating electrical energy into the electrical energy, and It may include a charging unit for charging the electrical energy output from the rectifier.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the energy conversion unit may be a piezoelectric element.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the piezoelectric element may include PVDF or PZT.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the rectifier may rectify the AC electrical energy into the electrical energy through half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power supply unit may include an energy conversion unit for converting light energy into the electrical energy, and a charging unit for charging the electrical energy.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the energy conversion unit may include a solar cell.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power supply unit may include a battery for storing the electrical energy.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power supply unit may receive the electric energy from a power source by wire.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the wake-up signal may be a wireless signal transmitted from the outside.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the blocking signal may be generated by the operation unit and transmitted to the power control unit when the operation unit completes a predetermined operation.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the blocking signal may be a wireless signal transmitted from the outside.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power control unit may include a switching unit for controlling the supply of the electrical energy to the operation unit.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power control unit may further include a voltage adjusting unit for adjusting a voltage level of the electrical energy when the switching unit supplies the electrical energy to the operation unit. Can be.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the voltage adjusting unit may receive the blocking signal from the operation unit and transmit the received blocking signal to the switching unit.

In addition, in an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the operation unit includes a main processor for generating sensor data by sensing a signal after sensing surrounding data and a transmission unit for transmitting the sensing data. The main processor may generate the cutoff signal after the transmitter transmits the sensed data and transmit the generated cutoff signal to the power controller.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the electronic device may be a sensor node.

In addition, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power control unit and the operation unit are integrally implemented, and the power supply unit may be connected to the power control unit and the operation unit implemented integrally by wire. have.

According to the present invention, when a command for completing a predetermined operation or receiving a command to operate in a standby mode is automatically deactivated itself, power consumption can be minimized.

For example, when applied to a small terminal such as a sensor node using a battery, the small terminal may automatically cut off power when completing a predetermined operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary electric energy consumption, thereby extending the battery replacement cycle.

In addition, when applied to a sensor node having a function of acquiring energy in the form of MPG, for example, the sensor node may use the electrical energy obtained from the MPG to ensure normal operation without another power supply device.

In addition, even in the case of an electronic device powered through a wired connection with the power source, the electronic device may be activated by the wakeup signal without consuming power for the standby mode.

Therefore, power consumption can be minimized.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention includes a power supply unit 110, a power supply control unit 130, and an operation unit 150.

An electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention may be, for example, an electronic device such as a TV, a DVD player, and the like, which is connected and connected to a power source.

Alternatively, the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention may be a small terminal such as a sensor node that is connected to a power line by a wire, or a small wireless terminal such as a sensor node that is operated by receiving electrical energy from a battery. .

Alternatively, the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention may be a small wireless terminal such as a wireless sensor node that converts ambient energy to obtain electrical energy required for operation.

The power supply unit 110 supplies electrical energy.

The supply of electrical energy can be implemented in the following form.

First, the power supply unit 110 connected to a separate power supply and a wire may supply power. This is the case, for example, of a small terminal such as an electronic device such as a TV or a DVD player or a sensor node.

Alternatively, the power supply unit 110 may take the form of a battery in which electrical energy is stored in advance. This is the case, for example, of a small wireless terminal such as a wireless sensor node.

Alternatively, the power supply unit 110 may convert the ambient energy to convert the ambient energy to obtain electrical energy required for the operation of the electronic device having the self power off function according to the present invention. For example, the above-mentioned MPG is used.

For example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is disposed in an environment in which vibration occurs or in an environment in which sunlight or light is applied, the power supply unit 110 uses vibration energy or light energy. In order to obtain the electrical energy required for the operation of the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention.

The configuration of the power supply unit 110 when converting the ambient energy will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is an exemplary block diagram of a power supply unit in an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power supply unit 110 includes an energy conversion unit 113 and a charging unit 116.

For example, the power source 110 converts surrounding vibration energy into electrical energy as follows.

The energy conversion unit 113 converts surrounding vibration energy into alternating current electrical energy.

For example, the energy conversion unit 113 may be formed of a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may comprise a material such as PVDF or PZT. The energy converter 113 may convert the vibration into electrical energy by, for example, configuring the PVDF element in the form of a cantilever or a membrane.

In order to be provided to an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the alternating electrical energy converted from vibration energy must be half-wave rectified or full-wave rectified.

Therefore, although not shown, the power supply unit 110 may include a rectifier for rectifying the alternating electrical energy converted by the energy converter 113.

When the energy conversion unit 113 converts the ambient energy into electrical energy, the charging unit 116 charges the electrical energy, and then provides the electronic device with the self power off function according to the present invention.

In particular, the charging unit 116 may store the electrical energy output from the rectifying unit (not shown).

In addition, for example, the power supply unit 110 converts light energy into electrical energy as follows.

The energy conversion unit 113 converts the electric energy into the sunlight using the surrounding sunlight or lighting. The energy converter 113 may include, for example, a solar cell.

When the energy conversion unit 113 converts the ambient light energy into electrical energy, the charging unit 116 charges the electrical energy, and then provides the electronic device with the self power off function according to the present invention. In the case of converting light energy, the output of the energy conversion unit 113 is DC electric energy, and thus, it is not necessary to perform rectification as in vibration energy.

Referring back to FIG. 1, when the power control unit 130 receives a predetermined wake-up signal, the power control unit 130 is activated to supply electrical energy of the power supply unit 110 to the operation unit 150, and receives a predetermined cutoff signal. After the supply of electrical energy to the operation unit 150 is blocked, it is deactivated.

First, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is an electronic device such as a TV or a DVD player which is connected to a power source by wire, the operation of the power control unit 130 will be described in detail.

The power control unit 130 receives a wake-up signal, which is a wireless signal transmitted from an external device such as a remote controller.

When receiving the wake-up radio signal, the power control unit 130 is activated to supply electrical energy to the operation unit 150.

In addition, the power control unit 130 may receive a signal for turning off the power of the electronic device having the self power off function according to the present invention, that is, a blocking signal from an external device such as a remote controller.

When receiving the blocking signal, the power control unit 130 cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the operation unit 150 and is deactivated.

The difference between the power control unit 130 of the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention and a power control configuration applied to a conventional TV is as follows.

In the conventional case, the power control configuration itself performs an operation without the power being cut off in order to receive a signal transmitted from the remote controller. Therefore, since the power must be supplied to operate in the standby mode, the electric energy is continuously supplied.

However, the power control unit 130 of the electronic device having the self power off function according to the present invention is deactivated when the block signal is received. That is, power is not supplied to the power control unit 130 itself and is maintained in a shutdown (shutdown) state, so it does not consume electrical energy. Therefore, unnecessary electrical energy consumption can be minimized.

Next, a small terminal, such as a sensor node, in which an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention is connected to a power line by a wire, or a small wireless terminal, such as a sensor node operated by receiving electrical energy from a battery, or In the case of a small wireless terminal such as a wireless sensor node that converts ambient energy to obtain electrical energy required for operation, the operation of the power control unit 130 will be described in detail.

The power control unit 130 receives a wake up signal, which is a wireless signal transmitted from an external device. The activation of the power control unit 130 according to the wake-up signal is similar to that applied to the RFID technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

For example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is a sensor node, the operation unit 150 detects and processes the surrounding data, generates sensing data, and transmits the detected data via wireless. . After the operation unit 150 performs the above-described predetermined operation based on the electric energy from the power supply unit 110, the operation unit 150 generates a blocking signal for blocking supply of electric energy from the power supply unit 110. This is transmitted to the power control unit 130.

When the power control unit 130 receives the blocking signal generated and transmitted by the operation unit 150, the power control unit 130 cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the operation unit 150 and is inactivated.

Therefore, in the case of receiving electrical energy through a wired connection with a power source, receiving electrical energy from a battery, or converting ambient energy to supply electrical energy, the sensor node may also supply power to the power control unit 130 itself. It stays shut down without need, consuming no electrical energy. Therefore, unnecessary electrical energy consumption can be minimized.

The power control unit 130 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is an exemplary block diagram of a power control unit in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the power control unit 130 includes a switching unit 133 and a voltage adjusting unit 136.

The switching unit 133 controls supplying electric energy of the power supply unit 110 to the operation unit 150.

For example, the switching unit 133 may be implemented in the form of a switch to block or allow the supply of electrical energy.

The voltage adjusting unit 136 adjusts the voltage level of the electrical energy when controlling the switching unit 133 to supply the aforementioned electrical energy to the operation unit 150.

For example, since the voltage level of the electrical energy and the voltage level required for the operation of the operation unit 150 may be different, the voltage adjusting unit 136 sets the voltage level of the electrical energy to the voltage level required for the operation of the operation unit 150. Adjust

Meanwhile, as described above, the blocking signal may be generated by an external device such as a remote controller and transmitted to the power control unit 130 or generated by the operation unit 150 and transmitted to the power control unit 130.

In particular, when the operation unit 150 generates a cutoff signal and transmits it to the power control unit 130, the voltage adjusting unit 136 is directly connected to the operating unit 150, and thus, the voltage adjusting unit 136 is an operating unit. A block signal transmitted from 150 may be received. When receiving the blocking signal, the voltage adjusting unit 136 transmits the blocking signal received to the switching unit 133, and the switching unit 133 operates the electrical energy of the power supply unit 110 based on the received blocking signal. Supply to the unit 150 is blocked.

In addition, when an external device such as a remote controller generates and transmits the power to the power controller 130, the switching unit 130 may directly receive the blocking signal. The switching unit 133 blocks supplying the electrical energy of the power supply unit 110 to the operation unit 150 based on the received blocking signal.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the operation unit 150 operates by receiving electrical energy from the power supply unit 110.

For example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is an electronic device such as a TV, a DVD player, and the like, which is operated by wire connection with a power source, the operation unit 150 outputs video and audio through signal processing. .

In addition, for example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is the above-described sensor node, the operation unit 150 detects and processes the surrounding data, generates sensing data, and then transmits it via wireless. Do this. After the operation unit 150 performs the above-described predetermined operation based on the electric energy, the operation unit 150 generates a cutoff signal for blocking supply of electric energy from the power supply unit 110, and the power control unit ( 130).

When the electronic device having the self power off function according to the present invention is the aforementioned sensor node, the operation unit 150 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is an exemplary block diagram of an operation unit in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention, the operation unit 150 includes a main processor 153 and a transmitter 156.

The main processor 153 detects the surrounding data and processes the signal to generate sensed data. For example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is a sensor node, the main processor 153 performs peripheral data sensing and signal processing, which are unique functions of the sensor node.

When the main processor 153 generates the sensed data, the transmitter 156 transmits the sensed data. For example, when the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention is included in the sensor node network, the transmitter 156 transmits the sensing data to a data reception configuration, for example, a sink node.

When the transmitter 156 transmits the sensed data, the main processor 153 generates the above-described blocking signal and transmits it to the power controller 130.

In response, the power control unit 130 blocks supplying the electric energy of the power supply unit 110 to the operation unit 150.

Preferably, the electronic device having the self power off function according to the present invention is a sensor node. In addition, the power control unit 130 and the operation unit 150 may be integrally implemented, and the power supply unit 110 may be connected to the power control unit 130 and the operation unit 150 by wire.

5 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

5 to 8, in particular, it is assumed that an electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention is a wireless sensor node and includes a power supply unit for converting ambient energy to obtain electrical energy.

5 to 8 will be described in more detail the operation of the electronic device having a self-power off function according to the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals E, D, and Cs correspond to the power supply unit 110 of FIG. 1.

The piezoelectric cantilever E formed of a piezoelectric material such as PVDF converts surrounding vibration energy into alternating electrical energy.

The bridge D converts the alternating electrical energy into electrical energy by using a diode to convert the electrical energy into electrical energy, and the storage capacitor Cs charges the electrical energy.

Although implemented by using piezoelectric cantilever, a configuration using a solar cell (not shown) and a storage capacitor Cs is also possible.

The storage capacitor Cs charges up to a predetermined energy level, and the energy level may be set through, for example, a zener diode.

When the storage capacitor Cs is charged above the corresponding energy level, the storage capacitor Cs may be used to perform an operation such as sensing, signal processing, data transmission, and the like in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Q1, Q2, C2, C3, C4, and U1 correspond to the power control unit 130 of FIG. 1.

5, reference numerals U2, U3, Rsens, Rref, and C5 correspond to the operation unit 150 of FIG.

Hereinafter, the actual circuit operation of the power control unit 130 and the operation unit 150 of FIG. 1 will be described in more detail.

For example, R1 is 400 kΩ, R2 is 1 MΩ, R3 is 10 kΩ, R4 is 800 kΩ, R5 is 1 MΩ, R6 is 2.4 MΩ, R7 is 100 kΩ, Rsens is 10 kΩ, and Rref is 10 kΩ. May be resistance.

For example, Q1 is a bipolar transistor, Q2 is a MOS, for example Q1 is a 2N3906 transistor, and Q2 is a ZVNL120G MOS.

For example, C2 may be 0.1 uF, C3 may be 0.1 uF, C4 may be 220 pF, and C5 may be a capacitor having a capacitance of 0.1 uF.

Configuration U1 for voltage regulation may be, for example, a MAX666 chip.

The configuration U2 for main processing can be implemented using, for example, the MSP 430 board.

The configuration U3 for transmitting the sensed data may be configured in the form of a chip for transmitting the sensed data at 315 MHz, for example.

Functions important to the operation of the present invention among the components corresponding to R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Rsens, Rref, Q1, Q2, C2, C3, C4, C5, U1, U2 and U3 The description will be carried out around the component to perform.

Initially, transistor Q1 is off because the emitter-base voltage is zero, and transistor Q2 is off because the gate voltage is zero. Therefore, the voltage regulation configuration U1 is not connected to the storage capacitor Cs. In this case, the storage capacitor Cs is charged with electrical energy converted from the piezoelectric cantilever E. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the storage capacitor Cs is charged with electrical energy required for the operation of the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention.

When the wake-up signal is externally applied to the capacitor C4 in the form of RF, the gate voltage is applied, and thus the transistor Q2 is turned on. The wakeup signal may be in the form of a pulse, for example, with a voltage of 1.8V and a duration of 100 us. Since the configuration of the wake-up pulse and its operation are similar to those of the pulse applied in the RFID technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When transistor Q2 is changed to the on state, storage capacitor Cs discharges the charged charge through voltage regulation configuration U1. Transistor Q1 thus flows an emitter-base current, and transistor Q1 charges capacitor C4.

Thus, electrical energy is supplied to the main processing configuration U2 and the sense data transmission configuration U3 through the voltage regulation configuration U1.

The values of the capacitor C4 and the resistor R2 may be determined by considering the following matters. The voltage of the transistor Q2 should remain high even after the wakeup signal, that is, the wakeup pulse disappears. In addition, energy consumption must be minimized in the path through the resistor R1, the transistor Q1, and the resistor R2.

On the other hand, until the operation of transmitting the sensed data to the RF in the sensed data transmission configuration (U3) is completed, the voltage regulation configuration (U1) is stable to the electrical energy to the main processing configuration (U2) and the sensed data transmission configuration (U3). Must be supplied. For example, the voltage regulation configuration U1 must supply electrical energy having a 5V voltage necessary for the operation of the main processing configuration U2 and the sense data transmission configuration U3.

However, to deactivate, i.e., cut off, electrical energy, the voltage regulation configuration (U1) generates a predetermined voltage, for example a voltage of 5V, via the "Low Battery Out (LBOut)" pin of the MAX666 chip, (C3) is charged by the LBout voltage. Capacitor C3 is then used when performing deactivation.

The main processing configuration U2 receives electrical energy from the storage capacitor Cs and performs a predetermined operation. For example, it senses surrounding data and processes it. In addition, the main processing configuration U2 may control the operation of the entire system, that is, the electronic device having the self-power off function according to the present invention.

In addition, the main processing configuration (U2) senses the surrounding data and converts the measured data into the sensed data having a digital format and transmits it to the sensed data transmission configuration (U3).

When the sensing data transmission configuration U3 receives the sensing data, for example, ASK modulation is transmitted to a monitoring system such as a sink node in the sensor node network.

When the sense data transmission configuration U3 completes the transmission of the sense data, the signal level of the P1.2 pin of the main processing configuration U2 is changed to the low level, and thus the " voltage regulation configuration U1 " Low Battery IN (LBin) "signal goes to ground level. When the LBin is changed to the ground level, the LBOut of the voltage regulation configuration U1 is pulled down. The voltage regulation configuration U1 thus sends a negative pulse through the capacitor C3, as a result of which the transistor Q1 is switched off and the transistor Q2 is also deactivated. Therefore, the storage capacitor Cs stops discharging and charges electrical energy from the piezoelectric cantilever E again. In this case, since the configurations corresponding to the power control unit 130 and the operation unit 150 of FIG. 1 have a very high impedance in the off state, the storage capacitor Cs may charge electrical energy at a high speed.

According to an exemplary circuit diagram of an electronic device having a self-power-off function according to the present invention with reference to FIG. 5, when receiving an RF wake-up pulse, the electric energy charged in the storage capacitor Cs is converted into a main processing configuration U1. ) And the sensing data transmission configuration U3, and when the sensing data transmission of the sensing data transmission configuration U3 ends, the electric energy supply can be cut off.

In FIG. 5, an exemplary circuit diagram in the case of using a piezoelectric element is illustrated, but in the case of using a solar cell, the circuit diagram may be changed by connecting the solar cell instead of the cantilever (E) and the bridge (D). Even when the solar cell is used, the overall circuit configuration is similar to that of the circuit diagram of FIG.

In addition, when the wire is connected to the power source, the circuit diagram may be changed by connecting the power source instead of the cantilever (E) and the bridge (D). Therefore, even when the wire is connected to the power supply, the entire circuit configuration is similar to the circuit diagram of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the voltage level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 in the wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5.

The voltage level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 is shown in the upper part, and received and demodulated by the reception configuration arranged at a distance of 20 m from the wireless terminal, the sensed data transmitted from the wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5. The voltage level of the data is shown at the bottom.

Referring to FIG. 6, the output level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 maintains a constant voltage level, for example 5V after being activated. However, when the sensing data is transmitted to the receiving configuration according to the operations of the main processing configuration U2 and the sensing data transmission configuration U3, it can be confirmed that the fluctuation occurs according to the voltage change of the sensing data transmission configuration U3.

In addition, since the discharge of the storage capacitor Cs is automatically stopped after the sensing data transmission configuration U3 transmits the sensing data, it can be seen that the voltage regulation configuration U1 is converted into an inactive state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a voltage level of a wake-up signal and a voltage level of a voltage adjusting configuration U1 in a wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the voltage level of the wake-up signal and the voltage level of the storage capacitor Cs are shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the wake-up signal is applied, the voltage regulation configuration U1 receives electrical energy from the storage capacitor Cs and outputs a constant voltage level, for example, 5V. Referring to FIG. 8, the storage capacitor Cs decreases its voltage level while performing discharge according to the application of the wakeup signal.

Therefore, in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the voltage level of the storage capacitor Cs is decreased, for example, when the third wake-up pulse is applied, the output voltage level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 is unstable.

The storage capacitor Cs charges electrical energy from the energy conversion unit 113 of FIG. 2, but it takes time to charge the electrical energy above a desired level.

Therefore, the storage capacitor Cs may use a large capacity capacitor, for example, about 3330 uF.

As a result of an experiment on the wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5 described above, when a large storage capacitor Cs of about 3330 uF is applied, the wireless terminal could transmit data 100 times at intervals of about 200 ms. Therefore, if electrical energy is stored in the storage capacitor Cs as much as possible, the wireless terminal may perform data sensing for more than 8 hours assuming that data is transmitted once every 5 minutes even when energy is not obtained.

In particular, when using a solar cell, it is difficult to obtain energy at night. However, if a large storage capacitor (Cs) of about 3330 uF is applied, the sensor node can charge and use the electric energy required for nighttime operation during the daytime.

As described above, when the electronic device completes a predetermined operation or receives a command to operate in a standby mode, the electronic device may automatically deactivate itself to minimize power consumption.

For example, when applied to a small terminal such as a sensor node using a battery, the small terminal may automatically cut off power when completing a predetermined operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary electric energy consumption, thereby extending the battery replacement cycle.

In addition, when applied to a sensor node having a function of acquiring energy in the form of MPG, for example, the sensor node may use the electrical energy obtained from the MPG to ensure normal operation without another power supply device.

In addition, even in the case of an electronic device powered through a wired connection with the power source, the electronic device may be activated by the wakeup signal without consuming power for the standby mode.

Therefore, power consumption can be minimized.

Although the configuration of the present invention has been described in detail, these are merely illustrative of the present invention, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. This will be possible.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present invention, and the scope and spirit of the present invention are not limited by these embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be interpreted by the following claims, and that all techniques falling within the equivalent scope thereof shall be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a command for completing a predetermined operation or receiving a command to operate in a standby mode is automatically deactivated itself, power consumption can be minimized.

For example, when applied to a small terminal such as a sensor node using a battery, the small terminal may automatically cut off power when completing a predetermined operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary electric energy consumption, thereby extending the battery replacement cycle.

In addition, when applied to a sensor node having a function of acquiring energy in the form of MPG, for example, the sensor node may use the electrical energy obtained from the MPG to ensure normal operation without another power supply device.

In addition, even in the case of an electronic device powered through a wired connection with the power source, the electronic device may be activated by the wakeup signal without consuming power for the standby mode.

1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronic device having a self power off function in accordance with the present invention.

2 is an exemplary block diagram of an energy obtainer in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention;

3 is an exemplary block diagram of a power control unit in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention;

4 is an exemplary block diagram of an operation unit in an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention;

5 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an electronic device having a self power off function according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing the voltage level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 in the wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a voltage level of a wake-up signal and a voltage level of the voltage regulation configuration U1 in a wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5.

8 is a diagram illustrating a voltage level of a wake-up signal and a voltage level of a storage capacitor Cs in a wireless terminal implemented using the circuit diagram of FIG. 5.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: power supply unit 113: energy conversion unit

116: charging unit 130: power control unit

133: switching unit 136: voltage regulator

150: operation unit 153: main processing unit

156: transmission unit

Claims (18)

A power supply unit for supplying electrical energy; An operation unit operating by receiving the electric energy from the power supply unit; A power control unit which is activated when receiving a predetermined wake-up signal and supplies the electrical energy to the operation unit, and deactivates the supply of the electrical energy after receiving a predetermined blocking signal Electronic device having a self-power off function comprising a. The method of claim 1, The power supply unit, An energy converter for converting vibration energy into alternating electrical energy; A rectifier for rectifying the alternating electrical energy into the electrical energy; Charging unit for charging the electrical energy output from the rectifier An electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 2, And the energy conversion unit is a piezoelectric element. The method of claim 3, And the piezoelectric element comprises PVDF or PZT. The method of claim 2, And the rectifier is configured to rectify the alternating current electrical energy into the electrical energy through half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification. The method of claim 1, The power supply unit, An energy conversion unit for converting light energy into the electrical energy; Charging unit for charging the electrical energy An electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 6, The energy conversion unit comprises a solar cell electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 1, And the power supply unit includes a battery for storing the electrical energy. The method of claim 1, The power supply unit is an electronic device having a self-power off function to receive the electric energy from the power source by wire. The method of claim 1, And the wake-up signal is a wireless signal transmitted from the outside. The method of claim 1, And the cutoff signal is generated by the operation unit and transmitted to the power control unit when the operation unit completes a predetermined operation. The method of claim 1, The blocking signal is a wireless signal transmitted from the outside of the electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 1, The power control unit, Switching unit for controlling the supply of the electrical energy to the operation unit An electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 13, The power control unit, A voltage adjusting unit adjusting the voltage level of the electrical energy when the switching unit supplies the electrical energy to the operation unit The electronic device having a self power off function. The method of claim 14, And the voltage adjusting unit receives the blocking signal from the operation unit and transmits the received blocking signal to the switching unit. The method of claim 1, The operation unit, A main processor that detects surrounding data and then processes the signal to generate sensed data; Transmitter for transmitting the sensed data To include, And the main processor generates a cutoff signal and transmits the cutoff signal to the power controller after the transmitter transmits the sensed data. The method of claim 1, And the electronic device is a sensor node. The method of claim 1, The power control unit and the operation unit are implemented integrally, And the power supply unit is connected to the power control unit and the operation unit in a wired manner.

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