Dynamic CPU Performance Extension via Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of central processing units (CPUs) in portable devices like tablets and smartphones decreases as the battery's state of charge decreases, leading to system crashes due to voltage drops below the minimum input voltage required by voltage regulators, limiting CPU performance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power source, platform voltage regulator, peripheral interface, and processors that dynamically manage power levels by using a fuel gauge and buck boost regulator to determine acceptable power levels, masking or unmasking power good signals based on peripheral interface connection states to extend CPU performance without crashing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CPU performance is increased, then processing speed and user experience are improved, but voltage drop increases causing system crashes at low battery SOC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic CPU performance adjustment based on battery state of charge. The system continuously monitors battery SOC and dynamically modifies CPU frequency and voltage levels to match available power capacity. This allows the CPU to operate at high performance when battery charge is sufficient, while automatically reducing performance to prevent voltage drops when battery charge is low, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and ensuring system reliability.
2Speed
If CPU frequency is increased, then processing capability is improved, but voltage regulator input voltage drops below minimum threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors battery state of charge and CPU power consumption characteristics. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts CPU frequency and voltage settings to ensure the voltage regulator always receives sufficient input voltage above its minimum threshold. The feedback loop prevents the system from entering a state where high CPU frequency causes voltage regulator failure, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high speed and maintaining adequate energy voltage levels.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery SOC threshold for performance limiting is lowered, then CPU can maintain higher performance longer, but risk of system crash increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-parameter adjustment strategy that changes CPU frequency, voltage, and current draw parameters based on battery state of charge. Instead of simply lowering performance at a fixed SOC threshold, the system continuously adjusts multiple electrical parameters to optimize the balance between extending performance duration and preventing system crashes. This granular parameter control allows the system to maintain higher performance for longer periods while staying within safe operating margins, resolving the contradiction between extending duration and reducing harmful crash risks.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for a system operable to extend a level of processor performance is disclosed. The system can comprise a power source connected to a platform voltage regulator (VR) and one or more processors and configured to provide an input power to the platform VR. The system can further comprise the platform VR connected to a peripheral interface and the one or more processors and configured to power the peripheral interface and send a power good signal to the one or more processors. The system can further comprise the peripheral interface connected to the platform VR and the one or more processors and configured to connect to a peripheral device and send a signal to the one or more processors when a peripheral interface connection state is identified as connected.