Dual Power Mechanism for Low-Power Mode Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems fail to meet the stringent power consumption limits of the upcoming Energy Star 4.0 standard in low-power modes such as sleep, idle, and standby, with power conversion efficiency dropping significantly below 40% due to optimizations primarily focused on full-power operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual power mechanism system is introduced, comprising a full-power mechanism and a low-power mechanism, such as a buck converter or LDO, that switches between full-power and low-power modes based on control signals to maintain high efficiency across varying power levels, including a low-power mechanism like a buck converter or LDO that optimizes power conversion efficiency in low-power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power conversion path is used for both full-power and low-power modes, then device complexity is reduced, but power conversion efficiency in low-power modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically switches between two power conversion paths based on the operating mode. A control mechanism monitors the power demand and selectively enables either the first path (for full-power mode) or the second path (for low-power mode), allowing the system to adapt its configuration to match the current operational requirements and maintain high efficiency across different power levels.
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 system achieves improved power conversion efficiency, maintaining efficiency above 80% in low-power modes and ensuring compliance with Energy Star 4.0 standards by optimizing power delivery in both full-power and low-power modes.
Implementation Method 1
A dual power mechanism system is introduced, comprising a full-power mechanism and a low-power mechanism, such as a buck converter or LDO, that switches between full-power and low-power modes
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that supplies power in a computer system. The system includes a power adapter coupled to a source of electrical power and a set of a set of power consumers coupled to a power bus in the computer system. A full-power mechanism coupled between the power adapter and the power bus supplies power for the power consumers while the computer system is operating in a full-power mode. A low-power mechanism coupled between the power adapter and the power bus in parallel with the power mechanism supplies power for the power consumers while the computer system is in operating in a low-power mode.