CPU Power Generator Voltage Adjustment for Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computers suffer from low power efficiency due to switching and conduction losses in CPU driving power generators, which are exacerbated by high current levels, leading to inefficient power management and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A computer system with a controller that adjusts the power supply to the CPU driving power generator based on the CPU's operation mode, using a CPU mode determiner to selectively switch between source power and system power, optimizing voltage levels to minimize losses and enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the CPU driving power generator uses a switch for power conversion, then power generation function is achieved, but switching loss and conduction loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation functionVSAvoidswitching loss and conduction loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power supply from high voltage to low voltage (5V or lower) to reduce conduction losses in the switch while maintaining adequate power delivery capability for CPU operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If high voltage is supplied from the power source to the CPU driving power generator, then sufficient power delivery is achieved, but conduction loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidconduction loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage (5V or lower) to minimize conduction losses while maintaining sufficient power delivery through optimized current management and power conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the CPU operates in deep sleep mode (C3 or C4 state), then power consumption is minimized, but voltage regulation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCPU power consumptionVSAvoidvoltage regulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the input voltage parameter to a low voltage level (5V or lower) that maintains efficient voltage regulation even when the CPU operates in deep sleep modes, preventing the power generator from entering low-efficiency operating regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution improves power efficiency by reducing switching and conduction losses, particularly at low current levels, thereby extending battery life and reducing overall power consumption, as demonstrated by increased utilization time and improved efficiency metrics compared to conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a system driving power generator which converts source power input from the power source to be output to the system unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a CPU driving power generator which outputs driving power to drive the CPU

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8635485B2Computer and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2014.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8635485B2 patent drawing
  • US8635485B2 patent drawing
  • US8635485B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer includes a CPU and a system unit, and further includes a power source which generates source power, a system driving power generator which converts the source power to system power and which provides power to the system unit, a CPU driving power generator which outputs driving power to drive the CPU, and a controller which selectively supplies the source power or the system power to an input terminal of the CPU driving power generator according to an operation mode of the CPU. Thus, a computer adjusts a level of power supplied to a CPU driving power generator according to a CPU mode and improves power efficiency, and includes a control method thereof.