Semikons Embedded Technologies is an Embedded and VLSI Design & Development Centre
Power Management for Embedded Systems
Overview
Power management is a critical aspect of embedded system design, especially in applications where energy efficiency, battery life, and thermal performance are key concerns. Whether it's a wearable device, a sensor node in an IoT network, or a portable medical device, optimizing power consumption ensures reliability and longevity.
Key Techniques in Power Management
1. Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS)
Adjusts the processor’s voltage and frequency based on workload demands to save power during low activity periods.
2. Sleep and Idle Modes
Microcontrollers and processors often support multiple low-power states. Entering sleep or idle mode during inactivity can drastically reduce power draw.
3. Peripheral Power Control
Turning off unused peripherals (e.g., ADCs, timers, communication modules) helps minimize unnecessary power usage.
4. Efficient Code Design
Optimized software can reduce CPU cycles, memory access, and peripheral usage, all contributing to lower power consumption.
5. Energy Harvesting
In ultra-low-power systems, energy harvesting from sources like solar, vibration, or RF can supplement or replace batteries.