Importance

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Abstract

A microcontroller power management system wherein the voltage of a power supply is monitored and the microcontroller central processing unit ('CPU') receives an interrupt signal when the supply voltage falls below a predetermined level. The CPU monitors the duration of the low voltage condition and switches into a sleep mode, after storing any data in its registers that are not maintained in the sleep mode, when that duration exceeds a fixed limit that indicates more than a temporary power glitch is being experienced. If only a short power glitch, the CPU continues normal operation. A large capacitor connected to the power supply input to the microcontroller provides enough energy for the microcontroller to operate normally during short glitches and to operate in a sleep mode for a considerable time, thereby maintaining data in CMOS static RAM until power is restored. This is particularly useful for battery operated systems, responding to both a low battery voltage condition and to a complete loss of power during battery replacement.

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First Claim