Auxiliary Processor for Instant-On Notebook Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Notebook computers face limitations in battery life due to increased processing power consuming more power, leading to user frustration and the need for frequent shutdowns to conserve energy, while also requiring significant restart time when resuming use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an auxiliary processor, such as a wireless modem processor, that can take over system functionality and control peripherals, allowing the main processor to be deactivated, enabling 'instant on' and 'always on' features with minimal battery drain, and maintaining communication links even when the computer is shut down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If processing power is increased to meet operating system and application complexity requirements, then computational capability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct processing modes: a low-power mode using an auxiliary processor for basic tasks, and a high-performance mode using the main CPU for demanding applications. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary processing power for each task, avoiding the continuous high power consumption of always using the full-capability CPU.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between operating modes based on task requirements. The auxiliary processor handles simple tasks like web browsing and media playback, while the main CPU is activated only when complex computations are needed. This dynamic adaptation optimizes power consumption by matching processing capability to actual workload demands.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the computer is turned off or placed in standby mode to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but restart time increases and user productivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary processor is designed to remain active and handle basic system functions even when the main CPU is powered down. This preliminary setup allows the system to quickly transition from a low-power state to full operation without requiring a complete boot sequence, as the auxiliary processor maintains essential system readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary processor acts as an intermediary between the fully powered-off state and the full CPU operation. It maintains a lightweight operating system and can handle basic tasks independently, serving as a bridge that allows rapid resumption of computing activities without the time penalty of traditional cold or warm boots.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the main processor is deactivated to conserve battery, then power consumption is reduced, but system functionality and peripheral control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary processor is designed with multi-functionality to perform various system roles. It can control peripherals, run a lightweight operating system, handle basic applications, and manage power states. This universal capability allows it to maintain essential system functionality independently, enabling the main CPU to be deactivated without losing critical system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary processor is capable of self-service operations, managing its own execution context and maintaining system functions without requiring the main CPU. It can independently control hardware peripherals, manage memory, and handle user interactions, allowing the system to remain partially operational with minimal power consumption when the main processor is deactivated.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device includes a low power auxiliary processor, such as a processor on a wireless card or sub-system, which is able to takeover processing in place of the computing device's central processing unit (CPU). Operating the computing device on the auxiliary processor draws less power from the computing device battery, enabling extended operation in an auxiliary processor mode. When in this mode, the auxiliary processor controls peripherals and provides the system functionality while the CPU is deactivated, such as in "off," "standby" or "sleep" modes. In the auxiliary processor mode, the computing device can accomplish useful tasks, such as sending/receiving electronic mail, displaying electronic documents and accessing a network while drawing minimal power from the battery. Transitions between the normal operating mode and auxiliary processor mode may be transparent to users. Such a computer may display instant on, always on and always connected operating features.