Dynamic Peak Power Allocation to Prevent Battery Voltage Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems face limitations in peak power consumption due to resistance between battery cells and voltage regulators, leading to voltage droops that can cause system shutdowns, necessitating conservative power management that reduces performance, especially when batteries are not fully charged.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a platform peak power management system that dynamically communicates component peak power requirements to a power manager, allowing for reallocation of power budgets and dynamic adjustment of SoC power limits, coupled with under-voltage protection mechanisms to prevent voltage drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If resistance between battery cells and voltage regulators is reduced, then peak power capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the power limit parameter based on battery state of charge and real-time power consumption monitoring. The system adjusts the power limit from a static value to a dynamic value that adapts to battery conditions, effectively increasing usable peak power without modifying physical resistance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors actual power consumption and compares it against the dynamic power limit. When power consumption approaches the limit, the system adjusts the power limit based on battery state of charge, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes peak power delivery while preventing voltage droop.
2Reliability
If conservative power management is implemented to prevent voltage droop, then system reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static conservative power limits to dynamic power limits that adapt in real-time based on battery state of charge and actual power consumption. This dynamic approach allows the system to reliably operate at higher power levels when conditions permit, eliminating the need for overly conservative static limits that restrict productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power limit parameter based on battery state of charge, allowing higher power consumption when battery charge is sufficient and lower limits when charge is depleted. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain reliability while maximizing productivity across varying operating conditions.
3Reliability
If battery size is increased to accommodate worst-case voltage droop, then system reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power limit parameter dynamically based on battery state of charge, allowing the system to safely utilize higher power levels when battery charge is sufficient. This eliminates the need to design for worst-case scenarios with large safety margins, enabling smaller, lighter batteries while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time monitoring of its own power consumption and battery state to self-adjust power limits, eliminating the need for oversized batteries designed to handle unpredictable worst-case scenarios. The battery size can be optimized for typical usage patterns rather than extreme cases.
4Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic power limit adjustment is implemented, then use of energy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops that monitor battery state of charge and actual power consumption, using this information to dynamically adjust power limits. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy utilization by allowing higher consumption when appropriate and preventing droop when necessary, without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power limit parameter based on monitored battery conditions and power consumption patterns. This parameter adaptation improves energy utilization efficiency by matching power delivery capabilities to actual battery state, eliminating the waste associated with static conservative limits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances system performance by utilizing available power capacity more efficiently, reducing performance degradation and enabling operation closer to battery limits, particularly in varying workload scenarios and charge levels.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage protection device to detect a system voltage and to generate an alert signal in response to the system voltage dropping below a threshold voltage
Implementation Method 2
The power manager is to calculate a power limit based on the state of charge of the battery and based on a power consumption of the computing device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system comprising a controller, power management logic to decide how to allocate an overall power budget between the controller and one or more system components. The power management logic comprises an interface to receive requests to change peak power limits. The power management logic is to receive a system peak power limit based, at least in part, on monitored values including temperature values, provide, based on the system peak power limit and at least one updated peak power requirement of at least one of the system components: an updated component peak power limit to one or more system components; and an updated controller peak power limit to the controller, wherein power consumption of the one or more system components is to be limited based on the updated component peak power limit and power consumption of the controller is to be limited based on the updated controller peak power limit.