Dynamic Power Management via Activity-Based Frequency Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management schemes for electronic devices often result in unnecessary high power consumption due to operating parameter settings based on worst-case scenarios, leading to inefficiencies, especially when devices are only partially idle.
Innovation Solution
A power management scheme that dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as clock frequency and voltage by determining a floor and ceiling value based on current device conditions and activity levels, allowing for power consumption control within a defined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operating parameter values are set based on worst-case scenarios to guarantee reliable operation, then device reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of operating parameter values (such as clock frequency and voltage) based on real-time detection of device activity levels. Instead of using fixed worst-case scenario parameters, the system continuously monitors activity indicators and adjusts parameters dynamically, allowing the device to operate at lower power consumption during normal scenarios while maintaining reliability when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (clock frequency, voltage levels) based on detected activity conditions. By implementing a floor value and ceiling value mechanism, the parameters are adjusted within defined ranges according to actual device needs rather than fixed worst-case values, resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If operating parameters are lowered to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but device performance may be insufficient for maximum demand scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time activity detection, allowing the device to operate at lower, more efficient parameters during normal conditions while automatically increasing performance when maximum demand is detected, thus balancing power efficiency and computational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing floor and ceiling value mechanisms for operating parameters, the system ensures parameters are adjusted within appropriate ranges that match actual device needs, preventing both excessive power consumption and insufficient performance.
3Device complexity
If fixed operating parameter values are used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying activity levels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism that automatically adjusts operating parameters based on detected activity levels, providing adaptability to varying conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic through predefined floor and ceiling values and activity threshold detection.
Data Source
AI summary
In a power management scheme, at least one indicator of at least one current device operating condition that affects an amount of power required to operate a device may be received. Based on the at least one indicator, a floor value for an operating parameter of the device (e.g. clock frequency or voltage) may be determined. At least one further indicator of at least one current device operating condition may further be received. Based on the at least one further indicator, a ceiling value for the operating parameter may be determined. Based on an indicator of current activity of the device, the operating parameter may be dynamically adjusted to a value between the floor value and the ceiling value, to control power consumption by the device. In some embodiments, the value may be adjusted to only the ceiling value or the floor value, e.g. by selectively applying a scaling ratio.