Processor Power Control During Battery Removal From AC Adaptor Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power supply systems, such as those using Narrow VDC architecture, face challenges in managing power when a battery is removed while still relying on power from an AC adaptor, as they may shut down due to exceeding the AC adaptor's rating, and there is a need for efficient power management to prevent system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
An electric power supply system that includes a processor, power circuit, and embedded controller, which detects the presence or absence of a battery and adjusts the operating frequency and power of the processor to ensure safe operation by using both AC adaptor and battery power effectively, with the embedded controller notifying the BIOS of battery removal and instructing the power circuit to modify the operating frequency and power settings to prevent system shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses power from both AC adaptor and battery to supplement load consumption, then the system can operate when load power exceeds AC adaptor power, but the system may shut down when battery is removed and load power exceeds AC adaptor rating
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller continuously monitors battery presence and power consumption, providing feedback to dynamically adjust system operation. When battery removal is detected, the controller receives notification and initiates frequency reduction of the processor to ensure power consumption remains within AC adaptor rating, preventing system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processor operating frequency based on power source availability. When battery is present, processor operates at normal frequency; when battery is removed, processor frequency is reduced to match AC adaptor power capacity, enabling continuous operation under varying power conditions.
2Productivity
If the processor operates at high frequency to meet load demands, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases and may exceed AC adaptor rating when battery is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating frequency parameter of the processor based on power source conditions. When battery is removed, the processor frequency parameter is adjusted downward to reduce power consumption to within AC adaptor rating, while maintaining system operation.
3Productivity
If the system maintains normal operating frequency after battery removal, then processing performance is maintained, but the AC adaptor may be overloaded and cause system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller takes preliminary action by detecting battery removal and immediately initiating processor frequency reduction before overload can occur. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of AC adaptor overload, maintaining system operation without shutdown.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electric power supply system includes a processor, a power circuit and an embedded controller. The processor includes a first controller configured to modify an operating frequency of the processor and a second controller configured to modify an operating power of the processor. The power circuit and the embedded controller detect a presence or an absence of a battery in parallel. The power circuit instructs the first controller to modify the operating frequency when removal of the battery is detected. The embedded controller causes the second controller to modify the operating power via a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) when the removal of the battery is detected, and causes the first controller to stop modify the operating power via the power circuit.