Adjustable Voltage Regulation Circuit for Suspend Mode Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for reducing power consumption during suspend mode in computing devices have limited effectiveness, leading to insufficient battery life and increased battery capacity requirements, despite advancements in active mode optimizations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing voltage regulation circuitry with adjustable VR controllers to lower system voltage rails during suspend mode, using feedback circuitry to reduce output voltage and impedance circuitry to conserve power, allowing for efficient power savings without compromising normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If voltage regulation circuitry with adjustable VR controllers is implemented to lower system voltage rails during suspend mode, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the voltage rail levels during suspend mode. The VR controller modifies the output voltage parameter to match the lower power consumption requirements of suspend operation, thereby extending battery life without requiring a complete hardware redesign. This allows the system to operate efficiently at reduced voltage levels when full performance is not needed.
2Loss of energy
If system voltage rails are lowered during suspend mode, then power savings of 5-10 mW are achieved, but voltage stability and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the voltage regulation adaptive rather than static. The VR controller dynamically adjusts the voltage rail levels based on the operational state of the device, providing lower voltage during suspend mode for power savings while maintaining appropriate voltage levels during active operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliability is maintained when needed while achieving power efficiency during low-activity states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the VR controller that monitors system state and adjusts voltage output accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that voltage stability is maintained within acceptable ranges even when operating at reduced voltage levels during suspend mode, preventing reliability issues while achieving power savings.
3Loss of energy
If ACPI methods are used to optimize suspend power consumption, then some power reduction is achieved, but further reduction opportunities are exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent goes beyond standard ACPI methods by implementing more aggressive parameter changes in the voltage regulation system. While ACPI provides baseline power management, this patent modifies the voltage rail parameters to achieve deeper power savings during suspend mode, unlocking additional optimization potential that standard ACPI configurations do not provide.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves significant power savings of 5-10 mW, extending standby battery life by several hours and reducing battery capacity needs, while maintaining compatibility with various operating systems.
Implementation Method 1
voltage regulation circuitry with adjustable VR controllers to lower system voltage rails during suspend mode
Implementation Method 2
using feedback circuitry to reduce output voltage and impedance circuitry to conserve power
Data Source
AI summary
Circuit and method for reducing use of battery power during suspend mode operation of a computing device. Output impedance circuitry coupled to voltage regulation circuitry produces a feedback voltage and converts an output signal, produced in response to an input voltage and the feedback voltage, to an output voltage. A portion of the impedance of the output impedance circuitry is altered by control circuitry in response to a control signal, thereby causing changes in the feedback voltage, the output signal and the output voltage.