Dynamic Power Level Management for Processor and GPU Subsystems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in managing dynamic power levels, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating due to fixed total power levels that do not adapt to fluctuations in cooling capacity, affecting the performance and longevity of processor subsystems and graphics processing units (GPUs).

Innovation Solution

A method where a power manager identifies and adjusts the dynamic total power level based on the cooling capacity and performance of the processor subsystem and GPU, modifying the fixed total power level to ensure both components operate within safe and optimal parameters, using a combination of power profiles and lookup tables to dynamically allocate power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed total power level is used for the information handling system, then the system structure is simple and easy to manage, but the system cannot adapt to fluctuations in cooling capacity leading to potential overheating and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to cooling capacity fluctuationsVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power level adjustment by continuously monitoring cooling capacity and processor performance, then modifying the total power level accordingly. The power manager dynamically allocates power between processor subsystem and GPU based on real-time conditions, transforming the static fixed power level into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing thermal and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the power manager continuously monitors cooling capacity metrics and processor performance indicators, then uses this feedback information to adjust power allocation decisions. This closed-loop control ensures the system adapts to fluctuating cooling capacity while maintaining optimal performance and preventing overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the total power level is increased to improve performance, then processing speed and computational capability are enhanced, but the system generates more heat that may exceed cooling capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidsystem operating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power level parameter dynamically based on the relationship between cooling capacity and processor performance. By adjusting the total power level parameter in response to monitored conditions, the system optimizes the balance between processing performance and thermal generation, allowing higher performance when cooling capacity permits and reducing power when thermal limits are approached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the total power level is reduced to prevent overheating, then system temperature is controlled, but processing performance and computational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature controlVSAvoidprocessing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating power allocation between different system components based on their specific requirements and current state. The power manager selectively allocates power to the processor subsystem and GPU independently, allowing optimal power distribution that maintains performance where possible while controlling thermal generation where necessary, rather than applying a uniform power reduction across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If dynamic power level adjustment is implemented to optimize performance and temperature, then system efficiency is improved, but the power management system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidpower management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power manager is designed as a universal multi-functional component that handles multiple tasks: monitoring cooling capacity, evaluating processor performance, determining appropriate power levels, and allocating power to different subsystems. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional manager, the system achieves dynamic optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11669143B2Managing a dynamic total power level for an information handling system

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method for managing a dynamic total power level for an information handling system includes: identifying, by a power manager of the information handling system, a first power level associated with a processor subsystem of the information handling system, the first power level based on a cooling capacity associated with the information handling system; identifying, by the power manager, a second power level associated with a graphics processing unit of the information handling system, the second power level based on a performance associated with the processor subsystem; determining, by the power manager, the dynamic total power level based on the first power level and the second power level; and modifying, by the power manager, a fixed total power level based on the dynamic total power level, the dynamic total power level causing the processor subsystem and the GPU to operate within the dynamic total power level.