KR20110129542A - Micro controller unit reduced power consumption, method for controlling the same and record media recorded program realizing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A micro controller unit for reducing power consumption, control method thereof, and recording medium are provided to minimize power consumption in a low power mode by blocking power supply in the low power mode. CONSTITUTION: A high power module(1100) blocks power in a low power mode and receives the power in a high power mode. A low power module(1200) receives the power in the low power mode and blocks the power in the high power mode. The low power module includes a sleep mode controller(1230) and a storage unit(1250) which stores the work environment information of the high power mode. The sleep mode controller receives a command which changes the high power mode into the low power mode.

Description

MICRO CONTROLLER UNIT REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME AND RECORD MEDIA RECORDED PROGRAM REALIZING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a micro controller unit with reduced power consumption, a control method thereof, and a recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the same.

In addition to the cores that perform operations in one chip, the microcontroller unit includes storage media (RAM: random access memory), flash memory, and input / output (I / I). O) It is a simple configuration of the whole circuit by embedding all control circuits in one chip. It is also called an embedded controller. The microcontroller unit is also called a single-chip or one-chip microcomputer because it is a complete computer with only one integrated circuit.

These microcontroller units are embedded in electronic products such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), palm sized PCs (PPCs), hand held PCs (HPCs), laptop (Lap Top) computers, and notebooks to control the overall operation of the electronics. At the same time, it processes a command input by the user and controls the operation of the electronic product according to the command.

Recently, in order to reduce the power consumed by these electronic products, the electronics are operated in a high power mode (also called "awake-mode") during the use by the user, and the electronics are in the low power mode when not in use by the user. (also known as "sleep-mode").

Conventionally, a method for reducing the power consumed by the microcontroller unit when switching modes as described above, a method of reducing the operating speed of the microcontroller unit by cutting off the power supplied to the core included in the microcontroller unit or controlling the system clock. This was used.

Most of the power consumed by the microcontroller unit is consumed by power supplies, cores and storage media that supply operating power to the microcontroller.

Therefore, even in the conventional method, there is a problem that the power consumed by the microcontroller unit in the low power mode, for example, the power consumed by the power supply unit and the storage medium is considerable.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a microcontroller unit capable of minimizing the power consumed by the microcontroller unit by shutting off the power supply to the power supply unit, the core and the storage medium in the low power mode, a control method thereof, and a program for implementing the same. The purpose is to provide a recording medium.

In addition, the present invention is a micro-controller unit, a control method thereof and a program for implementing the same are recorded in which workability can be maintained even when the supply of power to the power supply unit, the core and the storage medium in the low power mode as described above is recorded. The purpose is to provide a recording medium.

Other objects of the present invention will be readily understood through the following description of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the object as described above is disclosed a microcontroller unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a micro controller unit, comprising: a high power module that operates by being supplied with power in a high power mode, and which is cut off in a low power mode; And a low power module that operates by being supplied with power in a low power mode, is cut off in a high power mode, and has a low power module having a storage unit capable of storing work environment information in a high power mode. .

Here, the low power module may further include a sleep mode controller for controlling the switching between the high power mode and the low power mode.

The sleep mode controller may receive a command to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode in response to the absence of an external input for a predetermined time in the high power mode, and to receive the command to switch to the low power mode. The switching from the high power mode to the low power mode can be controlled by receiving and storing the work environment information in the mode from the high power module and cutting off the power supplied to the high power module.

The sleep mode controller may also receive a command to switch from a low power mode to a high power mode in response to an external input occurring in the low power mode, and enter the low power mode in response to receiving a command to switch to the high power mode. In the low power mode by causing the high power module to store the stored work environment information in the high power module and switching off the power supplied to the low power module in response to the high power module storing the work environment information. The switch to high power mode can be controlled.

In addition, the storage unit may be formed of at least one retention cell.

In addition, the storage unit may have a smaller capacity than any one of the storage media in the high power module.

The microcontroller unit may include a first switch installed in a path through which power is supplied to the high power module; The output terminal of the first switch is connected to output a high level signal in a high power mode to turn on the first switch and to output a low level signal in a low power mode to turn the first switch on. An OR gate provided in a structure for turning off; One input terminal receives a high level signal, the other input terminal receives a high level signal in a high power mode and a low level signal in a low power mode, and an output terminal is connected to an input terminal of the OR gate and a sleep mode controller. AND gate; The low power module is installed in a path through which power is supplied. In a low power mode, a high level enable signal is applied from an external source. In a high power mode, the high power enable signal is turned off. A second switch installed; And an input terminal receives the high level enable signal in a low power mode, and another input terminal is connected to the sleep mode controller to receive a low level signal in a high power mode and a low power mode, and an output terminal of the OR gate. It may further include a second AND gate connected to the input terminal of.

In addition, the sleep mode controller is supplied with power by turning on the second switch when switching from a high power mode to a low power mode, and outputting a high level signal to the second AND gate. Cause the gate to output a high level signal, output a predetermined signal externally such that the first AND gate changes the output from a high level signal to a low level signal, and the first AND gate changes the output at a high level signal. Outputting a predetermined signal in the high power mode in response to changing to a low level signal to cause the high power module to store work environment information in the low power module, and in response to completion of the storage in the low power module; The first switch can be controlled to be turned off by outputting a low level signal to an AND gate. .

The sleep mode controller may output a predetermined signal to a high power module in response to the first AND gate changing an output from a low level signal to a high level signal when switching from a low power mode to a high power mode. The work environment information stored in the low power module may be stored in the high power module, and in response to the storage of the high power module being completed, the power supply to the low power module may be cut off.

In addition, the high power module and the low power module may be formed as separate modules that are physically separated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method of a microcontroller unit is provided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a control method of a microcontroller unit including a high power module operating in a high power mode and a low power module operating in a low power mode, receiving a command to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode step; In response to receiving a command to switch to the low power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module such that the high power module stores work environment information in the low power module; And in response to the work environment information being stored in the low power module, switching to the low power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the high power module. A control method is provided.

The receiving of the command to switch to the low power mode may include: receiving a command to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode; Outputting a signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving a command to switch to the low power mode; And transmitting a signal to an external device to remove a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving a command to switch to the low power mode.

The switching to the low power mode may be performed by removing a signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving the switching command to the low power mode. Can be performed.

Also, receiving a command to switch from the low power mode to the high power mode; In response to receiving a command to switch to the high power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module to cause the high power module to store work environment information stored in the low power module in the high power module; And in response to the working environment information being stored in the high power module, switching to the high power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the low power module.

In addition, the command to switch to the high power mode may cause power to be supplied to the high power module.

The converting into the high power mode may include: receiving a signal indicating that the work environment information is stored in the high power module from the high power module; And in response to receiving the informing signal, outputting a signal to cut off power supplied to the low power module.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing a control method of a microcontroller unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing a method of controlling a microcontroller unit including a high power module operating in a high power mode and a low power module operating in a low power mode, Receiving a command to switch to a low power mode; In response to receiving a command to switch to the low power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module such that the high power module stores work environment information in the low power module; And in response to the work environment information being stored in the low power module, switching to the low power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the high power module. A recording medium is provided which records a program for implementing the control method.

The receiving of the command to switch to the low power mode may include: receiving a command to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode; Outputting a signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving a command to switch to the low power mode; And transmitting a signal to an external device to remove a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving a command to switch to the low power mode.

The switching to the low power mode may be performed by removing a signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving the switching command to the low power mode. Can be performed.

Also, receiving a command to switch from the low power mode to the high power mode; In response to receiving a command to switch to the high power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module to cause the high power module to store work environment information stored in the low power module in the high power module; And in response to the working environment information being stored in the high power module, switching to the high power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the low power module.

In addition, the command to switch to the high power mode may cause power to be supplied to the high power module.

The converting into the high power mode may include: receiving a signal indicating that the work environment information is stored in the high power module from the high power module; And in response to receiving the informing signal, outputting a signal to cut off power supplied to the low power module.

As described above, according to the recording medium in which the microcontroller unit according to the present invention, a control method thereof, and a program for implementing the same are recorded, the power is supplied to the power supply unit, the core, and the storage medium in a low power mode. The advantage is that the power dissipated in the low power mode can be minimized.

In addition, according to the recording medium in which the microcontroller unit according to the present invention, a control method thereof, and a program for implementing the same are recorded, the operation environment information in the high power mode when switching from the high power mode to the low power mode is converted into a low power module. The stored work environment information can be provided to the high power module when it is moved and saved and the switch from the low power mode to the high power mode. Therefore, even when the power supplied to the power supply unit, the core and the storage medium in the low power mode is cut off, there is an advantage that the working environment information is not lost in the high power mode.

In addition, according to the recording medium in which the microcontroller unit according to the present invention, a control method thereof, and a program for implementing the same are recorded, workability of a chip with minimal power is maintained by maintaining operation in a low power mode in a low power mode. There is an advantage that can be maintained.

Further, according to the microcontroller unit according to the present invention, a control method thereof, and a recording medium on which a program for implementing the same is recorded, a sleep mode controller, two AND gates, one OR gate, and two With only three switches and very small storage, it can automatically switch between high and low power modes depending on the presence of external inputs.

In addition, the low-power module according to the present invention is made of one module that is physically separate from the high-power module, and connects the low-power module to the power supply side, two AND gates, one OR gate and two switches ( Installation can be completed by simply wiring using a switch). Therefore, there is an advantage that the installation of the low power module is easy.

1 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of a microcontroller unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of the sleep mode controller in FIG. 1 in more detail.
3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a high power mode of the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1.
4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a low power mode of the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a sleep mode controller performs mode switching in the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart more embodying S51 of FIG. 5.
7A to 7E are functional block diagrams specifically showing the flow of signals generated in the microcontroller unit at each step of FIG. 6 and the resulting changes in the microcontroller unit.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart more embodying S52 of FIG. 5.
9A to 9E are functional block diagrams specifically showing the signal flow generated in the microcontroller unit in each step of FIG. 8 and a change in the microcontroller unit accordingly.

As the invention allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Like reference numerals are used for like elements in describing each drawing. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component.

And / or < / RTI > includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that another component may exist in between. Should be.

On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and are not construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

-Overview of the structure and function of the microcontroller unit

Hereinafter, a structure and a function of a microprocessor unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

1 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of a microcontroller unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of the sleep mode controller in FIG. 1 in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 1, the microcontroller unit 1000 according to the present invention includes a high power module 1100 and a low power module 1200, a first AND gate 1300, an OR gate 1400, and a second AND gate 1500. It may include a first switch sw1 and a second switch sw2. In FIG. 1, for convenience of description and the gist of the present invention, a plurality of pins included in the microcontroller unit 1000 are provided with a pin associated with switching of a power mode, that is, a first power source VDD. Pin P1, a second pin P2 that receives the test_enable signal TEST_EN, a third pin P2 that receives a General Purpose I / O pin (GIPO) signal, and an enable signal. Only the fourth pin P4 and the fifth pin P5 for transmitting a signal from the sleep mode controller 1230 to the mode controller 2000 are illustrated.

The microcontroller unit 1000 is connected to the mode control unit 2000, and can switch between the high power mode and the low power mode by a control signal of the mode control unit 2000.

First, the high power module 1100 is a part that operates in the microcontroller unit 1000 in the high power mode. The high power module 1100 controls the main power supply 1110, the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, and the RAM 1140. It may include.

The main power supply 1110 may receive the power VDD through the first pin P1 to stably supply operating power to the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, and the RAM 1140. In order to minimize the loss power at the main power supply 1110, the main power supply 1110 may be formed as a low drop regulator (LDO). A first switch sw1 is provided between the main power supply 1110 and the first pin P1, and is connected to the main power supply 1110 according to on or off of the first switch sw1. The first pin P1 may be conductive or interrupted.

The core 1120 performs an operation using a program stored in the flash memory 1130, and the work environment information, for example, data that is being processed in the high power mode may be stored in the RAM 1140. Although two memories are shown in FIG. 1, the microcontroller unit 1100 may include a read only memory (ROM) and an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) as necessary. Since operations of the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, and the RAM 1140 in the high power mode are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The low power module 1200 is a part that operates in the microcontroller unit 1000 in the low power mode, and includes a sub power supply 1210, a power on reset portion 1220, and a sleep mode controller 1230. ), And a sub clock generator 1240 and a storage 1250. The low power module 1200 may be designed to consume relatively much less power than the high power module 1100. In detail, the low power module may be designed to consume less power than any one configuration of the high power module 1100, for example, the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, or the RAM 1140.

The sub power supply 1210 receives the power VDD through the first pin P1 and supplies the power on reset unit 1220, the sleep mode controller 1230, the sub clock supply unit 1240, and the storage unit 1250. The operating power can be supplied stably. In order to minimize the lost power in the sub power supply 1210, the sub power supply 1210 may be formed of an LDO. A second switch sw2 is provided between the sub power supply 1210 and the first pin P1, and the sub power supply 1210 is turned on or off according to the on / off of the second switch sw2. The first pin P1 may be conductive or interrupted.

The power-on reset unit 1220 detects a constant potential before the internal voltage of the low power module 1210 increases when the sub-power supply unit 1210 starts to supply power to generate a pulse (hereinafter, referred to as a “power on reset signal”). The sleep mode controller 1230 may be generated and initialized to an operable state.

The sleep mode controller 1230 may receive a clock from the sub clock supply unit 1240 to control the switching between the high power mode and the low power mode of the microcontroller unit 1000. Referring to FIG. 2, the sleep mode controller 1230 may operate the low power switching unit 1231 and the micro controller unit 1000 in a high power mode in a low power mode to perform the operation of switching the micro controller unit 1000 from a high power mode to a low power mode. It may include a high power switching unit 1232 to perform the operation to switch to the mode. The low power switching unit 1231 may switch the microcontroller unit 1000 from a high power mode to a low power mode when the output of the first AND gate 1300 is changed from a high level to a low level. Can be. On the contrary, when the output of the first AND gate 1300 is switched from the low level to the high level, the high power switching unit 1232 may switch the microcontroller unit 1000 from the low power mode to the high power mode. Details thereof will be described later.

1, the sub clock supply unit 1240 includes a unit (eg, an oscillator) that generates a clock signal therein to supply a clock to the sleep mode controller 1230 in a low power mode. Can be.

The storage unit 1250 may store work environment information such as data that is being processed in the high power mode stored in the RAM 1140 when the micro controller unit 1000 is switched from the high power mode to the low power mode. When the microcontroller unit 1000 switches from the low power mode to the high power mode, the storage unit 1250 may transmit the stored working environment information to the RAM 1140. As will be described later, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is switched from the high power mode to the low power mode, power supply to the RAM 1140 is cut off. As is well known, the RAM 1140 is a volatile memory, and when the power supply to the RAM 1140 is cut off, all data stored in the RAM 1140 is lost. Therefore, by transferring the data that is being processed in the high power mode to the storage unit 1250 when switching from the high power mode to the low power mode, it is possible to prevent the loss of data that is being processed in the high power mode. Here, the storage 1250 may be formed of a plurality of retention cells. As is well known, a retention cell is a device capable of storing one bit of information in one cell. Since the storage unit 1250 stores data that is being processed in the high power mode, the memory capacity does not need to be large. Accordingly, the designer of the microcontroller unit 1000 may minimize the power consumption in the low power mode by configuring the storage unit 1250 as a retention cell only enough to store data that is being processed in the high power mode. Preferably, the storage unit 1250 may be designed to have a smaller capacity than any one storage medium, for example, the flash memory 1130 or the RAM 1140, in the high power module 1100.

The first AND gate 1300 may include a second pin P2 receiving the test_enable signal TEST_EN, a third pin P2 receiving the GIPO signal, an OR gate 1400, and a sleep mode controller 1230. It can be located in between. Specifically, the second pin P2 and the third pin P3 are connected to two input terminals of the first AND gate 1300, respectively, and the output terminal is branched at the node a to form the OR gate 1400 and the sleep mode controller 1230. Respectively). The first AND gate 1300 may output a high level signal through an output terminal when a high level signal is input to the second pin P2 and a high level signal is input to the third pin P3. Can be. In contrast, when a low level signal is input to the second pin P2 and / or the third pin P3, the first AND gate 1300 may output a low level signal through an output terminal. The high level signal outputted through the output terminal of the first AND gate 1300 is transmitted to the input terminal of the OR gate 1400. At this time, the OR gate 1400 outputs the high level signal to the first switch sw1. Can be turned on. Alternatively, the low level signal output through the first AND gate 1300 may be transmitted to an input terminal of the OR gate 1400 to turn off the first switch sw1. In addition, the high level or low level signal output through the first AND gate 1300 may function as a control command for the sleep mode controller 1230 to switch the power mode. That is, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is in the high power mode, the low level signal outputted through the first AND gate 1300 may cause the sleep mode controller 1230 to move the microcontroller unit 1000 from the high power mode to the low power mode. Can be a command to switch. In contrast, the high level signal outputted through the first AND gate 1300 while the microcontroller unit 1000 is in the low power mode is output by the sleep mode controller 1230 to operate the microcontroller unit 1000 in the low power mode in the high power mode. Can be a command to switch to. In this regard, specific matters will be described later.

When the OR gate 1400 receives a high level signal from the first AND gate 1300 and / or the second AND gate 1500, the OR gate 1400 outputs a high level signal to turn on the first switch sw1. Can be done. In contrast, when the OR gate 1400 receives a low level signal from the first AND gate 1300 and the second AND gate 1500, the OR gate 1400 outputs a low level signal to turn off the first switch sw1. You can. Details thereof will be described later.

The second AND gate 1500 may be positioned between the fourth pin P4, the sleep mode controller 1230, and the OR gate 1400 that receive the enable signal EN. In detail, two input terminals of the second AND gate 1500 may be connected to the fourth pin P4 and the sleep mode controller 1230, respectively, and an output terminal of the second AND gate 1500 may be connected to an input terminal of the OR gate 1400. When the second AND gate 1500 receives a high level signal from the fourth pin P4 and the sleep mode controller 1230, the second AND gate 1500 outputs a high level signal to the OR gate 1400 to switch the first switch sw1. ) Can be turned on. In contrast, when the second AND gate 1500 receives a low level signal from the fourth pin P4 and / or the sleep mode controller 1230, the second AND gate 1500 outputs a low level signal to the OR gate 1400. The first switch sw1 may be turned off. Details thereof will be described later.

The first switch sw1 may be located between the first pin P1 receiving the power VDD and the main power supply 1110. The first switch sw1 is formed of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a source and a drain are connected to the first pin P1 and the main power supply 1110, respectively, and the gate ( The gate may be connected to the output terminal of the OR gate 1400. Accordingly, when the driving voltage is supplied to the gate by the high level signal from the output terminal of the OR gate 1400, the first switch sw1 may be turned on, and the low level signal from the output terminal of the OR gate 1400 may be applied. When the driving voltage is not supplied to the gate, the first switch sw1 may be turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to the first switch sw1, and may be controlled to the first switch sw1 of the present invention as long as it can be controlled to be turned on or off according to the output value (high or low) of the OR gate 1400. Can belong.

The second switch sw2 may be positioned between the first pin P1 receiving the power VDD, the sub power supply 1210 and the fourth pin P4 receiving the enable signal EN. The second switch sw2 is turned on when the high level enable EN signal is received through the fourth pin P4, and the high level enable signal EN is transmitted through the fourth pin P4. If not received it may be off. The second switch sw2 may be formed of a MOSFET, the source and the drain may be connected to the first pin P1 and the sub power supply 1210, respectively, and the gate may be connected to the fourth pin P4. Therefore, when the high level enable signal EN is supplied to the gate through the fourth pin P4, the second switch sw2 may be turned on, and the high level of phosphorous through the fourth pin P4 may be turned on. When the driving signal is not supplied to the gate because the enable signal EN is not input, the second switch sw2 may be turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to the second switch sw2 and may belong to the second switch sw2 of the present invention as long as it can be controlled to be turned on or off depending on whether the high level enable signal EN is received. Can be.

The mode controller 2000 may be connected to the micro controller unit 1000 as described above. The mode controller 2000 may output a control signal for causing the microcontroller unit 1000 to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode when there is no external input for a preset time. In contrast, when an external input is detected in the low power mode, the microcontroller unit 1000 may output a control signal for switching the low power mode from the low power mode to the high power mode. When the microcontroller unit 1000 is switched from the high power mode to the low power mode, the mode controller 2000 outputs the enable signal EN to the fourth pin P4 and sends the GPIO to the third pin P3. The signal GPIO can be switched from high level to low level. On the contrary, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is switched from the low power mode to the high power mode, the mode control unit 2000 stops the output of the enable signal EN and sends the GPIO signal (3) to the third pin P3 ( GPIO) can be switched from low level to high level. Details thereof will be described later.

Here, the physical location of the components in the microcontroller unit 1000 according to the present invention is not limited. For example, the high power module 1100 and the low power module 1200 may be physically manufactured with one module, and the sleep mode controller 1230 may be installed in the high power module 1100. However, the high power module 1100 and the low power module 1200 are preferably formed of separate modules for ease of manufacture and installation.

The microcontroller unit 1000 according to the present invention includes a high power module 1100 and a low power module 1200 that operate in a high power mode separately, and at this time, the low power module 1200 is relatively higher than the high power module 1100. It can be designed to have very low power consumption. When there is no external input, the microcontroller unit 1100 may be switched to a low power mode, the low power module 1200 may operate while consuming very little power, and cut off power supplied to the high power module 1100. . Thus, the power consumed by the microcontroller unit 1000 in the low power mode can be minimized. In addition, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is switched from the high power mode to the low power mode, data that the microcontroller unit 1000 is processing in the high power mode is transferred to the low power module 1200 and stored, and thus is supplied to the high power module 1100. If the power supply is turned off, there is no risk of losing data that was being processed in the high-power mode. In addition, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is switched from the low power mode to the high power mode, the low power module 1200 transfers data that was being processed in the previous high power mode to the high power module 1100, whereby the high power module 1100 switches modes. It is easy to return to the previous environment. In addition, by maintaining the operation of the low power mode in the low power mode it is possible to maintain the workability of the chip with a minimum of power. In addition, only the sleep mode controller 1230, two AND gates 1300 and 1500, one OR gate 1400 and two switches sw1 and sw2, and a storage unit 1250 having a very small capacity can be used for external input. Therefore, it can automatically switch between high and low power modes. In addition, the low power module 1200 according to the present invention is manufactured as a single module that is physically separate from the high power module 1100, connects the low power module 1200 to the power supply side, and two AND gates 1300 and 1500 ), The installation can be completed by only wiring using only one OR gate 1400 and two switches sw1 and sw2. Therefore, the installation of the low power module may be easy.

-Mode of the microcontroller unit

Hereinafter, the high power mode of the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. 4, the low power mode of the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a high power mode of the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a low power mode of the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1. As a result, the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 may be more clearly defined.

High power mode of the microcontroller unit

First, referring to FIG. 3, in a high power mode, a high level test_enable signal TEST_EN and a high level GPIO signal GPIO are first received through a second pin P2 and a third pin P3. The input terminal of the AND gate 1300 may receive it. As a result, the first AND gate 1300 may output a high level through the output terminal. In this case, the high level output of the first AND gate 1300 may be branched at the node a and transferred to the input terminal and the sleep mode controller 1230 of the OR gate 1400, respectively.

In this case, the OR gate 1400 may output a high level signal through an output terminal in response to a high level input from the first AND gate 1300. As a result, the first switch sw1 may be turned on. Therefore, the power supply VDD delivered to the first pin P1 may be delivered to the high power module 1100 via the first switch sw1. In this case, the main power supply 1110 may receive the power VDD from the first switch sw1 to supply operating power to the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, and the RAM 1140. The core 1120 supplied with operating power may process an input from the outside using a program stored in the flash memory 1130 and control the operation of the entire electronic device. In this case, an external input being processed by the core 1120 or a program used to process the external input may be stored in the RAM 1140. At this time, since the second switch sw2 is in an off state, power may not be supplied to the low power module 1200.

Since the high level signal output from the first end gate 1300 and transmitted to the sleep mode controller 1230 is not supplied with power to the sleep mode controller 1230, it does not constitute any control information. Can be. However, when power is supplied to the sleep mode controller 1230 and the signal transmitted from the first AND gate 1300 to the sleep mode controller 1230 is changed from the high level to the low level, the sleep mode controller 1230 is The microcontroller unit 1000 may have a meaning of a command for switching from a high power mode to a low power mode. This will be described later.

Low power mode of the microcontroller unit

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 4, the GPIO signal GPIO may not be received at the input terminal of the first AND gate 1300, or a low level GPIO signal GPIO may be received. Therefore, since one input terminal of the first AND gate 1300 is at the low level, the first AND gate 1300 may output the low level signal through the output terminal. Therefore, the input terminal of the OR gate 1400 connected to the first end gate 1300 may receive a low level signal.

The enable signal EN may be applied from the mode controller 2000 to the fourth pin P4. The enable signal EN may be transmitted to an input terminal of the second switch sw2 and the second AND gate 1500. The enable signal EN transmitted to the second switch sw2 may turn on the second switch sw2. Power VDD supplied through the first pin P1 may be transferred to the low power module 1200 via the second switch sw2. The sub power supply 1210 receives the power VDD from the second switch sw2 and operates the power on reset unit 1220, the sleep mode controller 1230, the sub clock supply unit 1240, and the storage unit 1250. Can supply power. The input terminal of the second AND gate 1500 connected to the sleep mode controller 1230 does not receive a high level signal. Therefore, the second AND gate 1500 outputs a low level signal. As described above, since both input terminals of the OR gate 1400 connected to the first and second AND gates 1300 and 1500 receive a low level signal, the OR gate 1400 may output a low level signal. . Therefore, the first switch sw1 may be turned off so that the power VDD is not supplied to the high power module 1100. Thus, when the microcontroller unit 1000 is in the low power mode, no power is consumed by the high power module 1100.

-Mode switching process of the microcontroller unit

Hereinafter, mode switching of the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9E.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a sleep mode controller performs mode switching in the microcontroller unit of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, the mode switching process may include a step of switching from a high power mode to a low power mode (S51) and a step of switching from a low power mode to a high power mode (S52). The step S51 of switching from the high power mode to the low power mode may be performed by the low power switching unit 1231 in the sleep mode controller 1230, and the step of switching from the low power mode to the high power mode S52 may be performed by the sleep mode controller 1230. It can be performed by the high power switching unit 1232 in the. A detailed process performed in S51 and S52 will be described below.

-Switching from high power mode to low power mode of the microcontroller unit-

When there is no external input for a preset time, the microcontroller unit 1000 may switch from the high power mode to the low power mode. Hereinafter, a process of switching the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 from the high power mode to the low power mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7E.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart more embodying S51 of FIG. 5. 7A to 7E are functional block diagrams specifically showing the flow of signals generated in the microcontroller unit at each step of FIG. 6 and the resulting changes in the microcontroller unit.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the step S51 of switching from the high power mode to the low power mode of FIG. 5 includes the high power mode step S61, the power supply step S62 to the low power module S62, and the work environment information in the high power mode. Transfer to module step S63, power supply cutoff to high power module step S64, and low power mode step S65 may be included.

First, in a step S51 of switching from the high power mode to the low power mode, the microcontroller unit 1000 may be in the high power mode (S61).

Referring to FIG. 7A, the first AND gate 1300 receives a high level test_enable signal TEST_EN and a third level GPIO signal GPIO through a second pin P2 and a third pin P3. Can be received by the input terminal. As a result, the first AND gate 1300 may output a high level through the output terminal. The high level output of the first AND gate 1300 may be branched at node a and transferred to the input terminal and the sleep mode controller 1230 of the OR gate 1400, respectively. The OR gate 1400 may output a high level signal through an output terminal in response to a high level input from the first AND gate 1300. As a result, the first switch sw1 may be turned on. Therefore, the power supply VDD delivered to the first pin P1 may be delivered to the high power module 1100 via the first switch sw1. In this case, the main power supply 1110 may receive the power VDD from the first switch sw1 to supply operating power to the core 1120, the flash memory 1130, and the RAM 1140. The core 1120 supplied with operating power may process an input from the outside using a program stored in the flash memory 1130 and control the operation of the entire electronic device. Work environment information, including an external input being processed by the core 1120 or a program used to process the external input, may be stored in the RAM 1140. In this case, since the second switch sw2 is in an off state, power may not be supplied to the low power module 1200. Since the high level signal output from the first end gate 1300 and transmitted to the sleep mode controller 1230 is not supplied with power to the sleep mode controller 1230, it does not constitute any control information. Can be.

Next, the power supply step S62 of the low power module is a step in which the low power module 1200 is supplied with power. A detailed process of the power supply step S62 to the low power module will be described with reference to FIG. 7B.

Referring to FIG. 7B, first, when the external input is absent for a preset time, a high level enable signal EN is input from the mode controller 2000 to the fourth pin P4, and the input enable The signal EN may be transmitted to the second switch sw2. In this case, the second switch sw2 may be turned on by the enable signal EN (①). In addition, the input enable signal EN may be transmitted to the input terminal of the second AND gate 1500 (②), wherein ① and ② may be simultaneously or at the same time. Next, power VDD supplied through the first pin P1 may be transferred to the low power module 1200 via the second switch sw2 (③). In this case, the sub power supply 1210 may be configured as an LDO to stably supply power to the power on reset 1220, the sleep mode controller 1230, the sub clock supply 1240, and the storage 1250. . Then, at the same time as the power is supplied to the low power module 1200, the power on reset unit 1220 detects a constant potential before all the internal voltages of the low power module 1210 rise, and generates a power on reset signal to generate a sleep mode controller ( 1230 may be initialized to an operable state (④). Next, the sub clock supply unit 1240 may supply a clock to the sleep mode controller 1230 (⑤). Next, the sleep mode controller 1230 may output a high level signal to the input terminal of the second AND gate 1500 (6). In this case, since both input terminals of the second AND gate 1500 receive the high level signal, the second AND gate 1500 may output the high level signal (⑦). Next, the sleep mode controller 1500 may transmit a predetermined signal to the mode control unit 2000 (8).

In the step S63 of moving the work environment information in the high power mode and the low power module, since the power supplied to the RAM 1140 is cut off when entering the low power mode, the work environment information stored in the RAM 1140 is lost in the low power mode. It is a step of moving the work environment information to the low power module 1200 so as not to. Referring to FIG. 7C, a detailed process of transferring the work environment information in the high power mode to the low power module S63 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7C, first, in operation S62, the mode controller 2000 may stop outputting the high level GPIO signal GPIO in response to receiving a predetermined signal from the sleep mode controller 1230. (①). Next, the first AND gate 1300 may change the output from the high level to the low level in response to the input of the input being at the low level (②). Next, in response to the output from the first AND gate going from the high level to the low level, the sleep mode controller 1230 may output a predetermined signal to the core 1120 (3). Next, in response to receiving the signal from the sleep mode controller 1230, the core 1120 may transfer the work environment information stored in the RAM 1140 to the storage unit 1250 (4). Next, when the storage is completed, the core 1120 may transmit a signal indicating that the storage is completed to the sleep mode controller 1240 (⑤).

In the power supply blocking step S64 of the high power module, the power supply VDD supplied to the high power module 1100 is blocked. Hereinafter, a detailed process of the power supply cutoff step S64 to the high power module will be described with reference to FIG. 7D.

Referring to FIG. 7D, first, the sleep mode controller 1230, which has received the storage completion notification of the core 1120 in S63, changes a signal output from the high level to the low level to the input terminal of the second AND gate 1500. (①) Next, the second AND gate 1500 may output a low level signal because one input is low level (②). Next, the OR gate 1400 may output a low level signal since inputs to both input terminals are low level (③). Then, in response to the output of the OR gate 1400 being changed to the low level, the first switch sw1 may be turned off (④). Then, the power supplied to the high power module 1100 may be cut off by turning off the first switch sw1 (⑤).

The low power mode step S65 is a step in which the microcontroller unit 1000 enters the low power mode by cutting off the power supplied to the high power module 1100 in S64. As shown in FIG. 7E, the power VDD supplied to the high power module 1100 may be cut off because the first switch sw1 is turned off. In addition, the low power module 1200 may receive the power supply VDD by turning on the second switch sw2. The micro controller unit 1000 may wait for an external input in a low power mode. Details of the low power mode have been described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, detailed description of the low power mode will be omitted here.

-Switch from low power mode to high power mode of the microcontroller unit

When the external input is detected while the micro controller unit 1000 is in the low power mode, the micro controller unit 1000 may be switched from the low power mode to the high power mode. Hereinafter, a process of switching the microcontroller unit 1000 of FIG. 1 from the low power mode to the high power mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9E.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart more embodying S52 of FIG. 5. 9A to 9E are functional block diagrams specifically showing the signal flow generated in the microcontroller unit in each step of FIG. 8 and a change in the microcontroller unit accordingly.

First, referring to FIG. 8, the step S52 of switching from the low power mode to the high power mode of FIG. 5 includes the low power mode step S81, the step of receiving a switch command to the high power mode S82, and the work environment information in the high power mode. It may include the step of moving to a high power module (S83), the power supply to the low power module (S84) and the high power mode step (S85).

First, in the step S52 of switching from the low power mode to the high power mode, the microcontroller unit 1000 may be in the low power mode (S81).

Referring to FIG. 9A, the power VDD supplied to the high power module 1100 may be shut off by turning off the first switch sw1. In addition, the low power module 1200 may receive the power supply VDD by turning on the second switch sw2. The micro controller unit 1000 may wait for an external input in a low power mode. Details of the low power mode have been described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, detailed description of the low power mode will be omitted here.

In the step S82 of receiving a switch command to the high power mode, the sleep mode controller 1230 receives a switch command to the high power mode in response to the occurrence of an external input while the microcontroller unit 1000 is in the low power mode. . Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9B, a specific process of the step S82 of receiving the switch command to the high power mode will be described.

Referring to FIG. 9B, first, in response to an external input being sensed, the mode controller 2000 may output a high level GPIO signal GPIO (①). When the GPIO signal GPIO is received at the input terminal of the first AND gate 1300 via the third pin P3, a signal having a high level is received at both input terminals of the first AND gate 1300. The AND gate 1300 may output the high level signal to the input terminal 1400 and the sleep mode controller 1230 of the OR gate (2). At this time, since the high level is received at the input terminal, the OR gate 1400 may output a high level signal (③). Next, the first switch sw1 may be turned on to receive a high level signal (④). Next, the high power module 1100 may receive the power supply VDD via the first switch sw1 (⑤).

Moving the work environment information in the high power mode to the high power module (S83) transfers and saves the work environment information in the previous high power mode stored in the storage unit 1250 in the low power module 1200 to the high power module 1100. It's a step. Here, the work environment information to be moved may be the work environment information at the time of switching from the high power mode to the low power mode of the microcontroller unit 1000 as shown in S63 of FIG. 6. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 9C, a detailed process of transferring the work environment information in the high power mode to the high power module (S83) will be described.

Referring to FIG. 9C, first, the sleep mode controller 1230 may transmit a predetermined signal to the core 1120 in response to receiving a high level signal from the first AND gate 1300 in S82. (①). Next, the core 1120 receiving the signal may move and store the work environment information stored in the storage 1250 to the RAM 1140 (②). In this case, the high power module 1100 may restore the microcontroller unit 1000 to the state before switching to the low power mode using the work environment information stored in the RAM 1140.

In the power supply cutoff step S84 of the low power module, the second switch sw2 is turned off to cut off the power supplied to the low power module. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9D, the specific process of the power supply interruption step S84 to a low power module is demonstrated.

Referring to FIG. 9D, first, when the core 1120 completes the operation of moving the work environment information to the RAM 1140 in S83, a predetermined signal may be transmitted to the sleep mode controller 1230 (①). Next, the sleep mode controller 1230 having received the signal may transmit a signal indicating that the switch to the high power mode is completed to the mode controller 2000 via the fifth pin P5 (2). Alternatively, the core 1120 may be set to send a signal to the mode controller 2000 informing that the switch to the high power mode is completed. Next, the mode control unit 2000 that is notified of the completion of the switching to the high power mode may stop transmitting the high level enable signal EN (③). Then, the second switch sw2 may be turned off (④). Then, the power supplied to the low power module 1200 may be cut off (⑤).

The high power mode step S85 is a step in which the microcontroller unit 1000 enters the high power mode by cutting off the power supplied to the low power unit 1200 in S84.

Referring to FIG. 9E, the power supplied to the low power module 1200 is cut off because the second switch sw2 is turned off, and only the high power module 1100 may operate by being supplied with power. Details of the high power mode have been described above with reference to FIG. 3. Therefore, detailed description of the high power mode is omitted here.

Meanwhile, the method of controlling the microcontroller unit according to the present invention may be implemented as a program and stored in a computer-readable recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.).

Preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for purposes of illustration, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additions should be considered to be within the scope of the following claims.

1000: Micro Controller Unit
1100: high power module 1110: main power supply
1120 core 1130 flash memory
1140: ram
1200: low power module 1210: sub power supply
1220: power on reset unit 1230: slim mode controller
1231: low power switching unit 1232: high power switching unit
1240: sub clock supply unit 1250: storage unit
1300: first AND gate 1400: OR gate
1500: second AND gate
P1: first pin P2: second pin
P3: third pin P4: fourth pin
P5: fifth pin a: node
sw1: first switch sw2: second switch

Claims (17)

In a micro controller unit,
A high power module which operates by being supplied with power in a high power mode, and which is cut off in a low power mode; And
The microcontroller unit includes a low power module that operates by being supplied with power in a low power mode, is cut off in a high power mode, and has a storage unit capable of storing work environment information in a high power mode.
The method of claim 1,
The low power module further comprises a sleep mode controller for controlling switching between high power mode and low power mode.
The method of claim 2,
The sleep mode controller receives a command to switch from the high power mode to the low power mode in response to no external input for a preset time in the high power mode, and in the high power mode in response to the command to switch to the low power mode. And receiving and storing the work environment information of the high power module and controlling the switching from the high power mode to the low power mode by cutting off the power supplied to the high power module.
The method of claim 3, wherein
The sleep mode controller receives a command to switch from a low power mode to a high power mode in response to an external input occurring in the low power mode, and when switching to the low power mode in response to receiving a command to switch to the high power mode. Save the stored work environment information in the high power module in the high power module, and in response to the high power module stores the work environment information, the power supplied to the low power module is cut off in the high power mode in the high power mode Microcontroller unit for controlling the switching to the.
The method of claim 1,
And the storage part is formed of at least one retention cell.
The method of claim 1,
And the storage unit has a smaller capacity than any one of the storage media in the high power module.
The method of claim 2,
A first switch installed in a path through which power is supplied to the high power module;
The output terminal of the first switch is connected to output a high level signal in a high power mode to turn on the first switch and to output a low level signal in a low power mode to turn the first switch on. An OR gate provided in a structure for turning off;
One input terminal receives a high level signal, the other input terminal receives a high level signal in a high power mode and a low level signal in a low power mode, and an output terminal is connected to an input terminal of the OR gate and a sleep mode controller. AND gate;
The low power module is installed in a path through which power is supplied, and in a low power mode, a high level enable signal is applied from an external source, and in a high power mode, the high power enable signal is turned off by removing the high level enable signal. A second switch installed; And
One input terminal receives the high level enable signal in a low power mode, the other input terminal is connected to the sleep mode controller to receive a low level signal in a high power mode and a low power mode, and an output terminal of the OR gate. And a second AND gate coupled to the input terminal.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The sleep mode controller is supplied with power by turning on the second switch when switching from a high power mode to a low power mode, and outputting a high level signal to the second AND gate to turn off the second AND gate. Output a high level signal, output a predetermined signal externally such that the first AND gate changes the output from a high level signal to a low level signal, and the first AND gate changes the output from a high level signal to a low level. Outputting a predetermined signal in the high power mode in response to a change to a signal to cause the high power module to store work environment information in the low power module, and the second AND gate in response to the completion of storage in the low power module; Controlling the first switch to be turned off by outputting a low level signal at Microcontroller unit.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The sleep mode controller outputs a predetermined signal to a high power module in response to the first AND gate changing an output from a low level signal to a high level signal when switching from a low power mode to a high power mode, thereby allowing the high power module to output the predetermined signal. And storing the work environment information stored in the low power module in the high power module, and controlling to cut off the power supplied to the low power module in response to completion of the storage in the high power module.
The method of claim 1,
And the high power module and the low power module are physically separated into separate modules.
In the control method of a microcontroller unit comprising a high power module operating in a high power mode and a low power module operating in a low power mode,
Receiving a command to transition from a high power mode to a low power mode;
In response to receiving a command to switch to the low power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module such that the high power module stores work environment information in the low power module; And
In response to the work environment information being stored in the low power module, controlling the microcontroller unit to switch to the low power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the high power module. Way.
The method of claim 11,
Receiving a command to switch to the low power mode,
Receiving a command to transition from a high power mode to a low power mode;
Outputting a signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving a command to switch to the low power mode; And
And transmitting a signal to the outside to remove a signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving the command to switch to the low power mode.
The method of claim 12,
The step of switching to the low power mode,
And removing the signal for supplying power to the high power module separately from the signal for supplying power to the high power module before receiving the switch to the low power mode. .
The method of claim 11,
Receiving a command to transition from a low power mode to a high power mode;
In response to receiving a command to switch to the high power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module to cause the high power module to store work environment information stored in the low power module in the high power module; And
And in response to the working environment information being stored in the high power module, switching to the high power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the low power module. Control method.
The method of claim 14,
And a command to switch to the high power mode is such that power is supplied to the high power module.
The method of claim 14,
The step of switching to the high power mode,
Receiving a signal indicating that the work environment information is stored in the high power module from the high power module; And
And in response to receiving the informing signal, outputting a signal to cut off power supplied to the low power module.
A recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing a control method of a microcontroller unit including a high power module operating in a high power mode and a low power module operating in a low power mode,
Receiving a command to transition from a high power mode to a low power mode;
In response to receiving a command to switch to the low power mode, outputting a predetermined signal to the high power module such that the high power module stores work environment information in the low power module; And
In response to the work environment information being stored in the low power module, controlling the microcontroller unit to switch to the low power mode by outputting a signal to cut off the power supplied to the high power module. Record carrier recording a program for implementing the method.

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