Power consumption in any device, including embedded systems, hardwired or battery powered, is always a point of concern. With hardwired systems, you don’t want them drawing too much power to be cost inefficient, and battery-powered systems have an even more obvious downside if they are badly optimised for power. Optimising these has become even more important with a growing dependence on embedded systems in modern electronics.
Embedded systems are more widespread than you think, powering everything from industrial automation to consumer gadgets. Smart sensors, portable medical devices, central heating systems, home appliances and even vehicles – all have some degree of embedded system built into them, it is crucial for the world’s poorly expanded power supply infrastructure to make sure your embedded systems are focused on performance, reliability and sustainability. How do we ensure this is addressed though? And what exactly is an embedded system?
What is an embedded system in electronics?
An embedded system can be thought of as an independent part attached to a larger structure. It is a specialised computer system that forms an integral part of a larger device. Unlike general-purpose computers, these systems are designed to perform dedicated functions, often combining both hardware and software. In modern electronics, embedded systems control everything from household appliances to industrial machinery. Their design focuses on efficiency, reliability and real-time performance – making power management a critical aspect of their overall functionality.
Understanding power consumption in embedded systems
One of the first jobs when learning about power consumption in embedded systems is to identify the main source of power drain. This step in the direction of optimisation helps to ensure that your embedded system delivers reliable performance whilst keeping energy usage in check.
Power consumption is influenced by a variety of factors, such as processor activity, peripheral usage, and communication methods, but not exclusively these as there are many other potential sources of power drain. Indeed, every component, from the microcontroller to the wireless module, contributes to the overall energy consumption and footprint. Thorough testing at each stage of development will help to identify inconsistencies in performance and is something we both recommend and practice here at TAD.
Techniques for reducing power consumption
1. Choose low-power components
It seems pretty obvious when listed like this, but when overall performance is the number one thing engineers look at, these low-power components often get overlooked or ignored. The truth of the matter is that not all microcontrollers and sensors are created equal. Many modern microcontrollers include ultra-low-power modes designed specifically to reduce energy consumption… but again, when performance is often the controlling factor, these settings get turned off. When selecting components, consider those with low power ratings and built-in energy-saving features – particularly those that can’t be easily turned off if energy conservation is a particular point of interest.
2. Implement Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS)
DVFS allows your system to adjust its voltage and clock frequency based on workload requirements. Reducing both during idle or low-processing periods can significantly cut energy usage without compromising performance when full power is needed.
3. Optimise software for efficiency
Probably unsurprisingly, the way software is written can have a major impact on power consumption. Ensuring that your code is written efficiently can majorly reduce processing speeds and, therefore, power consumption. Key things to look out for are polling loops, which should be reduced, utilising event-driven programming, and minimising unnecessary computations. Just these three examples can significantly reduce the amount of energy being used by your embedded systems. Leveraging optimised firmware and power-efficient libraries also contributes to better performance.
So have a look over your software engineers shoulders every now and then to ensure they are sticking to approved coding standards!
4. Use sleep and low-power modes
Most microcontrollers and peripherals feature built-in sleep and low-power modes. Proper management of these modes ensures that the system only draws power when necessary, allowing for extended battery life without sacrificing functionality.
5. Reduce peripheral and communication activity
A peripheral device is a piece of hardware that connects to a system to add extra functionality – such as wireless communication modules and displays. They are very useful and are simply necessary in many situations but can be a significant power drain. If your project cannot function without a particular peripheral, then try to adopt duty cycling – where components are only active when needed – where you can. Additionally, trying to find low-power communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can extend battery life/reduce power drain.
6. Optimise power supply and voltage regulation
Efficient power conversion is essential for minimising energy waste. Switching regulators, such as buck or boost converters, are generally more efficient than traditional linear regulators. They reduce heat dissipation and contribute to improved battery performance.
7. Monitor and measure power usage
Possibly the second most obvious and important technique is to regularly measure your embedded system’s power consumption. This will allow you to really fine-tune your system and eliminate new sources of power drain when they crop up. Using tools like power analysers and oscilloscopes can help identify inefficiencies as they occur, giving you insights into how your design changes impact overall energy usage.
How TAD electronics can help
At TAD, not only do we have all of the tools and devices needed to measure and optimise your needed embedded systems, we have the knowledge and technical expertise to properly apply them. We have been building embedded systems as part of our day-to-day designs since we started and have no intention of stopping. We provide 100% tailored solutions for your problems and will strike the balance between performance and low-power consumption for your needs. From selecting low-power components to developing optimised firmware and implementing advanced power management strategies. Our commitment to quality means your embedded system is designed for longevity and energy efficiency from the ground up.
Power optimisation for embedded systems – a competitive advantage
Reducing power consumption in embedded systems is not just about extending battery life – it is about improving performance, lowering operational costs and enhancing sustainability. By leveraging smart design techniques and the right tools, businesses can create cutting-edge electronics that meet modern energy efficiency demands.
Need help optimising power consumption in your embedded system? Contact TAD Electronics today to discuss your project and discover how we can help. Or click here to read more.
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