Dynamic Power Limiting for AC Adaptor Minimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile platforms with robust circuitry often exceed the power capacity of their AC adaptors, leading to excessive power consumption and the need for larger, more expensive adaptors, even when using higher-rated ones.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for managing platform power consumption by determining the power consumption level based on the input power supply and applying a calculated power limit to integrated circuits, allowing them to operate above their thermal design power (TDP) levels for short periods while preventing overcurrent conditions, using an embedded controller and system charger to dynamically adjust power limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a higher power rated AC adaptor is used to protect against over current conditions, then reliability is improved, but the adaptor becomes physically larger and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against over current conditionsVSAvoidadaptor size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power limit of integrated circuits based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The embedded controller continuously monitors platform power consumption and dynamically programs power limits for individual ICs, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands rather than relying on a fixed high-power adaptor rating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power consumption parameters of integrated circuits dynamically. By monitoring total platform power consumption and adjusting individual IC power limits in real-time, the system optimizes power usage to match the actual capabilities of a smaller AC adaptor, eliminating the need for oversized adaptors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a higher power rated AC adaptor is used to protect against over current conditions, then reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against over current conditionsVSAvoidadaptor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power limit of integrated circuits based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The embedded controller continuously monitors platform power consumption and dynamically programs power limits for individual ICs, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands rather than relying on a fixed high-power adaptor rating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power consumption parameters of integrated circuits dynamically. By monitoring total platform power consumption and adjusting individual IC power limits in real-time, the system optimizes power usage to match the actual capabilities of a smaller AC adaptor, eliminating the need for oversized adaptors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If integrated circuits are allowed to operate above their thermal design power for short periods, then productivity is improved, but the risk of over current conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPU performance above rated voltage and frequencyVSAvoidover current conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded controller continuously monitors total platform power consumption and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power limits for individual integrated circuits. This closed-loop control ensures that the sum of all IC power consumption plus overhead does not exceed the AC adaptor's power rating, preventing overcurrent conditions while allowing individual ICs to operate at high performance levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power limit of integrated circuits based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The embedded controller continuously monitors platform power consumption and dynamically programs power limits for individual ICs, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands rather than relying on a fixed high-power adaptor rating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8816539B2AC adaptor minimization through active platform power consumption management

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods of managing platform power consumption may involve determining a power consumption level of a platform based on at least in part a current supplied by an AC adaptor. A power limit of an integrated circuit in the platform can be determined based on at least in part the power consumption level of the platform, wherein the power level may be applied to the integrated circuit.