Dynamic CPU Power Control for Foreground Application Performance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management techniques in information handling systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust CPU power limits based on specific application workloads, leading to sub-optimal performance and user experience, as they operate without specific information about the applications executing on the CPU.

Innovation Solution

Implement a power management system that dynamically controls CPU power limits by determining the application context of foreground applications, adjusting power modulation based on workload profiles, and controlling components such as processors and fans to optimize performance and thermal characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional power management controls CPU power limits without application-specific information, then power consumption is reduced and thermal limits are maintained, but CPU performance and user experience deteriorate due to inability to optimize for specific workloads

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPU power limitVSAvoidCPU performance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts CPU power limits based on real-time detection of application workload characteristics. The power management system monitors application behavior patterns (bursty, sustained, semi-active) and continuously adapts power limit settings accordingly, transitioning from static power management to dynamic, application-aware power control that optimizes both performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where application performance data and workload characteristics are monitored and fed back to the power management system. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from actual application behavior patterns and adjust power limits to match real workload demands, resolving the contradiction between power savings and performance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If power limits are lowered to reduce power consumption and temperature, then battery life and thermal management improve, but application performance and responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPU temperatureVSAvoidApplication responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts CPU power limits based on real-time detection of application workload characteristics. The power management system monitors application behavior patterns (bursty, sustained, semi-active) and continuously adapts power limit settings accordingly, transitioning from static power management to dynamic, application-aware power control that optimizes both performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power management parameters (power limits, voltage, frequency) based on detected application workload patterns. By identifying whether applications exhibit bursty, sustained, or semi-active characteristics, the system adjusts power parameters accordingly to maintain appropriate performance levels while managing thermal and power constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If static power management policies are used, then system simplicity and ease of implementation are maintained, but adaptability to different application workloads and user scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower management system complexityVSAvoidWorkload adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system performs self-service by automatically detecting application workload characteristics and autonomously adjusting power limits without requiring manual user configuration. The system monitors application behavior patterns and self-adapts power settings based on detected workload types, reducing the need for complex user interfaces while improving workload adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where application performance data and workload characteristics are monitored and fed back to the power management system. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from actual application behavior patterns and adjust power limits to match real workload demands, resolving the contradiction between power savings and performance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11847009B1Power control for improving foreground application performance in an information handling system

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for controlling a processor of an information handling system to improve performance specifically of a foreground application executing on the processor. In a first aspect, a method includes receiving information regarding an application context of a foreground application executing on the information handling system; determining a power modulation for a component of the information handling system based on the application context of the foreground application; and controlling the component of the information handling system based on the power modulation. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.