Application-Aware Power Mode Switching for Battery and Performance Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption to extend battery life and reduce fan noise, with existing power management systems requiring user intervention and failing to adapt to application power demands.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic power mode adjustment system that automatically selects power modes based on application power policies, monitors power consumption, and adjusts operational parameters to switch between power modes without user input, using ACPI calls to set thresholds and parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a low power state is selected to extend battery life, then energy consumption is reduced, but system performance and responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power modes based on real-time application power policies and monitored power consumption, transitioning between low power and high performance states as needed. This resolves the contradiction by making power state selection adaptive rather than static, allowing the system to optimize between energy savings and performance based on actual workload requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power consumption parameters by selecting different power modes (low power, balanced, high performance) based on application requirements. This allows the system to adjust its energy consumption profile dynamically, resolving the contradiction between maintaining low power consumption and preserving system performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a high power state is selected to improve system performance, then productivity increases, but battery life decreases and operating temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic power mode adjustment based on monitored power consumption and application power policies. When high performance is needed, the system transitions to high power states temporarily, then returns to lower power states when performance demands decrease, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high productivity and minimizing power consumption over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically monitors power consumption and adjusts power modes accordingly, implementing periodic transitions between high and low power states based on workload requirements. This periodic adjustment resolves the contradiction by ensuring high performance is achieved only when necessary, while maintaining lower power consumption during idle or low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If manual power mode selection is required to optimize power usage, then power consumption can be controlled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages power modes by detecting application power policies, monitoring power consumption, and selecting appropriate power states without user intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize power consumption autonomously based on actual workload requirements, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring power consumption and adjusting power modes based on observed conditions and application power policies. This automated feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to control power consumption intelligently without requiring user input, adapting to changing workload requirements in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If power modes are frequently switched to adapt to application needs, then energy efficiency improves, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects application power policies in advance and proactively transitions to appropriate power modes before power consumption issues arise. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing the system for upcoming workload changes, allowing smooth transitions between power states while maintaining stability and avoiding reactive switching that could cause instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12524058B2Dynamic adjustment of power modes

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

Dynamic adjustment of power modes including: detecting an application identified in an application power policy; limiting an application power consumption of a computing component based on the application power policy; monitoring power consumption of a computing component; and selecting a power mode based on the monitored power consumption of the computing component and a power consumption threshold for each of a plurality of power modes.