Device-Dependent Peak Power Throttling for Battery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated information handling systems face challenges in managing peak power levels due to increasing power demands from connected devices, which can exceed battery capabilities, leading to system shutdowns or performance throttling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device-dependent peak power throttling mechanism that adjusts the peak processor power level based on whether a connected device is a current sink, using a Soft PROCHOT# signal to dynamically manage power allocation and prevent immediate CPU frequency throttling, allowing for scalable power reduction without impacting system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the peak processor power level is increased to meet high power demands from connected devices, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the battery may be depleted or system shutdown occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the peak processor power level based on real-time detection of connected devices and their power requirements. The power management circuit modifies the peak power threshold dynamically rather than using a fixed value, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands while preventing battery depletion and system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the presence and power requirements of connected devices through the power management circuit. This feedback information is used to adjust the peak processor power level accordingly, ensuring that power delivery matches actual demand while maintaining system reliability and preventing shutdown.
2Reliability
If the peak processor power level is reduced to prevent battery depletion, then the system reliability is improved, but the CPU performance is throttled
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the peak processor power level based on real-time detection of connected devices and their power requirements. The power management circuit modifies the peak power threshold dynamically rather than using a fixed value, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands while preventing battery depletion and system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the peak power level parameter based on the detected power requirements of connected devices. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system can prevent battery depletion and system shutdown while maintaining optimal CPU performance when power is available, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed peak power level is used for the processor, then the system design is simplified, but the power management flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the peak processor power level based on real-time detection of connected devices and their power requirements. The power management circuit modifies the peak power threshold dynamically rather than using a fixed value, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands while preventing battery depletion and system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the peak power level parameter based on the detected power requirements of connected devices. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system can prevent battery depletion and system shutdown while maintaining optimal CPU performance when power is available, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system (IHS) includes a source load switch connected to a power management circuit, and a port for connection of a device. The IHS detects attachment of the device to the port, and determines whether the device is a current sink. When the device is a current sink, the IHS sets the peak processor power level to a reduced level, determines detachment of the device, and in response to determining detachment of the device, restores a maximum peak processor power level. When the device is not a current sink, the HIS starts charging, sets a dynamic peak processor power level to an AC+DC setting, determines detachment of the device, and in response to determining detachment of the device, sets the peak processor power level to a DC-only setting.