Dynamic Power Converter Switching for Display Flicker Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face inefficiencies in power consumption due to the need for mid-frame switching of power converters, which can introduce flickering and reduce power efficiency when displaying varying content, as there is no optimal power converter for all usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a controller capable of estimating future power requirements based on content to be displayed, selecting the most efficient power converter from a plurality optimized for different output ranges, and supplying power accordingly to prevent flickering and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the controller switches power converters based on current power usage, then power efficiency is improved, but flickering is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller estimates the power requirements for the next frame before it is displayed and selects the appropriate power converter in advance. This preliminary selection based on predicted power needs allows the system to switch power converters between frames without causing mid-frame flickering, while still achieving optimal power efficiency by matching converters to actual power requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single power converter is used for all power levels, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects from multiple power converters based on the estimated power requirements for each frame. By making the power converter selection adaptive and frame-dependent, the system achieves optimal power efficiency across varying display content while managing complexity through software-controlled selection rather than hardware switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by selecting different power converters optimized for specific power ranges. Each power converter is designed with specific parameters optimized for certain output levels, and the controller adjusts which converter operates based on predicted power needs, achieving high efficiency across the full power range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power converter switching is delayed to avoid flickering, then flickering is eliminated, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs power requirement estimation and power converter selection in advance, during the time between frame displays. This allows the system to prepare the optimal power converter configuration before the next frame is rendered, ensuring both flicker-free operation and optimal power efficiency without delaying the switching decision.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes estimating, based on content to be displayed at a display of a mobile computing device at a future time, an amount of power to be used by the display at the future time; selecting, based on the estimated power level, a power converter of a plurality of power converters of the mobile computing device, each of the plurality of power converters optimized for a different output power range; and causing electrical power from the selected power converter to be supplied to the display at the future time.