8.15. Power Management for Sensors and Actuators

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two common battery types used for mobile platforms?

   Hint

   Think about what batteries are known for their high energy density.

2. 2.

   What is energy harvesting?

   Hint

   Consider how solar energy is captured.

3. 3.

   What is the purpose of multi-voltage supply designs?

   • To stabilize data flow
   • To accommodate different component voltage requirements
   • To minimize physical space

   Hint

   Think about why sensors might operate on one voltage and actuators on another.

4. 4.

   True or False: Duty-cycling sensors involves keeping them constantly powered to gather data.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what duty-cycling implies with respect to sensor operation.

5. 5.

   Design a small robotic application that utilizes both DC-DC converters and energy harvesting. Describe how each component works together.

   Hint

   Consider how both components complement each other to enhance the robot's functionality.

6. 6.

   Critique a design where duty-cycling is implemented inefficiently. What potential issues might arise, and how could they be addressed?

   Hint

   Focus on the impact of missed data on system reliability.