Dynamic CPU Power Throttling for USB Type-C Device States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile computers face challenges in delivering peak power performance for USB Type-C devices and CPUs while running on battery, due to limited battery peak power capability, which results in system shutdowns, accelerated battery aging, and safety issues, as well as conflicting requirements for high performance, battery life, and a thin-and-light form factor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method that dynamically reallocates the System-on-Chip (SoC) power by using the OS Peak Power Manager, USB Type-C Connector Manager, and USB Type-C Protocol Device Driver to adjust CPU peak power based on the USB Type-C device states, allowing power to be throttled or reallocated when the USB Type-C device is idle or detached, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the processor delivers peak power performance to USB Type-C devices, then device performance is improved, but battery life deteriorates and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by continuously monitoring USB device power states and adjusting processor power delivery in real-time. The system transitions between different power states (peak power when devices are active, reduced power when devices are idle) based on actual device needs, resolving the contradiction between providing peak power for performance and conserving battery life.
2Power
If the processor delivers peak power performance to USB Type-C devices, then device performance is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to shutdowns and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system monitors USB device attachment and power state changes, then adjusts processor power delivery accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that peak power is provided only when needed (when devices are attached and active), preventing system shutdowns and safety issues that occur when peak power is delivered continuously or inappropriately.
3Productivity
If the processor delivers peak power performance, then CPU performance is improved, but battery aging accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power delivery aligned with USB device activity cycles. The system provides peak processor power during periods when USB devices are attached and actively transferring data, then reduces power during periods when devices are idle or detached. This periodic power delivery pattern maintains CPU performance when needed while significantly reducing cumulative battery stress and aging.
Data Source
AI summary
Three components are used to adjust the CPU peak power based on the USB TYPE-C device states. These components include operating system (OS) Peak Power Manager, USB TYPE-C Connector Manager, and USB TYPE-C Protocol Device Driver. The USB TYPE-C Connector Manager sends a synchronous request to the OS Peak Power Manager when a USB TYPE-C power sink device is attached or detached, and the USB TYPE-C Protocol Device Driver sends a synchronous request to the Peak Power Manager when the power sink transitions device state. The Peak Power Manager takes power budget from the CPU when the USB TYPE-C connector is attached to a power sink and is active (e.g., high power device state), and gives back the power budget to the CPU for performance when the USB TYPE-C connector is either detached or the attached and power sink device is idle (lowest device state).