Dual Controller Power Management for Sleep State Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems that adhere to the ACPI specification, there is a challenge in managing power states of components during sleep states, particularly when the operating system is not in control, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dual-controller system is implemented, where the first controller provides system state information and the second controller, independent of the system power state, manages the power state of components using an auxiliary power well, allowing for components to be powered off during sleep states while maintaining diagnostic capabilities and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If components are powered off during system sleep states to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but diagnostic capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power management into two independent power wells: main power well and auxiliary power well. The auxiliary power well maintains power to specific components (such as audio amplifiers for diagnostic output) even when the system enters sleep state, enabling diagnostic capabilities to function independently while other components remain powered off to save energy.
Solution Approach 2:
A second controller is introduced as an intermediary component that operates independently of the system power state. This controller receives system state information from the first controller and autonomously manages component power states, enabling diagnostic functions to be maintained during sleep states without requiring the main system to remain fully powered.
2Reliability
If components remain powered during sleep states to maintain diagnostic capabilities, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into multiple independent power wells, allowing selective powering of components. The auxiliary power well specifically powers diagnostic-related components (such as audio amplifiers) during sleep states, while the main power well can be reduced or shut off, achieving diagnostic reliability without system-wide power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-controller system is implemented to manage component power states independently, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into two independent controllers: the first controller manages system-level power states, and the second controller manages component-level power states. This segmentation enables independent control of component power states based on system state information, providing flexibility while keeping each controller's logic relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The second controller is designed to be universally applicable across different system configurations and sleep states. It receives system state information and autonomously determines appropriate component power states, making the power management system adaptable to various scenarios without requiring complex custom logic for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
A first controller can provide system state information and a second controller can receive the system state information. The second controller can be programmed to control the state of a component. The state of the component can be based on information programmed in the second controller and the system state information. The component can include an off state and an operating state indicated by a signal from the second controller.