Power consumption in embedded systems
Embedded systems are normally embedded in a bigger system to perform a specific job. So they are expected to consume power as minimum as possible. Any electronics device as such is designed to consume less power as they are expected to work with battery power supply too. Embedded systems again has to run with those little power supply provided for electronic devices.
Low power Consumption in Embedded Systems
Here are few tips to conserve energy:-
1. Avoid poll mode of operation
One should avoid polling of events and use interrupt instead. When the embedded system is not performing any task or just waiting for an event, it should always remain in power down mode with switching off all its unused peripherals.
2. Use less computation
Embedded software should be designed in such a way that, it requires less number of computation to arrive at any decision. Also, compare statements should be used less.
3. Timers
Timers should not be powered on if not required. Watchdog timers are good option to recover from any infinite loop or restarting, but it is drain on power supply. So, it is better not to use it on production versions of any embedded software.
4. Use in-built power management
Most of the MCUs, ICs has power down mode. MCUs now a days come woth excellent power management functions. Embedded software should exploit them so that power consumption can be minimized.
Embedded systems should be optimized always for consuming less power. It will increase life of the system and will not hamper functioning of the parent device.
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Tags: CMP, IC, input port, interrupt, low power, mcu, output port, timer, watchdog timer
