CPU Frequency Adjustment for Mixed Task Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The power consumption of electronic devices is high and has not been adequately addressed, particularly in scenarios where multiple tasks are running in both the foreground and background, leading to increased energy usage and performance issues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adjusting CPU frequency based on task grouping, where foreground tasks require higher performance and background tasks can operate at lower frequencies, with dynamic recalibration to meet quality of service specifications, optimizing power consumption and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the operating frequency of the CPU is increased to improve processing speed, then the processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases and thermal effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by monitoring thermal conditions and power consumption in real-time, then adaptively changing the CPU operating frequency. The system transitions from static frequency settings to dynamic adjustment, allowing the CPU to operate at higher frequencies when thermal conditions permit and reduce frequency when thermal limits are approached, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating frequency parameter based on thermal conditions and power consumption levels. By monitoring temperature sensors and power management units, the system adjusts the frequency parameter dynamically - increasing it when thermal headroom exists and decreasing it when thermal limits are approached, thus optimizing the trade-off between processing speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the operating frequency of the CPU is increased to improve processing speed, then the processing capability is improved, but thermal effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidthermal effects
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic frequency adjustment based on real-time thermal monitoring. Temperature sensors continuously monitor CPU thermal conditions, and the system adaptively adjusts the operating frequency - allowing higher frequencies when thermal conditions are favorable and reducing frequency when thermal limits are approached, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing speed and thermal effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where temperature sensors monitor thermal conditions and power management units track power consumption, then feed this information back to the frequency adjustment logic. This closed-loop feedback system enables the CPU to dynamically adjust its operating frequency based on actual thermal and power states, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and thermal effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If frequency adjustment is delayed until thermal condition changes are detected, then power consumption is reduced, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to frequency switches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary frequency adjustment based on predicted thermal conditions and workload characteristics. Instead of waiting for thermal conditions to change before adjusting frequency, the system proactively adjusts frequency in advance based on workload patterns and thermal trends, reducing the need for frequent frequency switching while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a hybrid approach where frequency adjustment occurs partially based on thermal conditions and partially based on workload requirements. The system may maintain higher frequencies for longer periods (excessive action) when thermal conditions allow, rather than switching immediately upon detecting thermal changes, thus balancing power consumption with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4614280A1CPU clock speed processing method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4614280A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614280A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4614280A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This application provides a method for processing a CPU frequency and an electronic device. The method includes: running, by an electronic device, at a first CPU frequency when N tasks run in a foreground, where N is an integer greater than 1; switching, by the electronic device, M tasks in the N tasks to a background for running, where M is an integer greater than 0 and less than N; and running, by the electronic device, at a second CPU frequency in a mixed task running scenario in which the M tasks run in the background and N-M tasks run in the foreground, where the second CPU frequency is less than the first CPU frequency. In embodiments of this application, power consumption of the electronic device can be reduced.