Dynamic Operating Voltage Adjustment for Aging Device Performance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in managing operating voltages effectively as devices age, leading to increased power consumption, heat generation, and faster degradation of circuitry, while also considering the aging performance of batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically adjusting the operating voltage of devices based on device characteristics data and the results of a margining test, which generates a performance curve characterizing current performance speeds at various operating voltages, allowing for optimal voltage settings that balance performance and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If operating voltage is increased to maintain performance speed, then device performance is improved, but power consumption increases and device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring device performance degradation and battery aging characteristics, then adapting the operating voltage in real-time. Instead of using a fixed manufacturer-specified voltage, the system dynamically modifies voltage levels based on actual device conditions, allowing performance to be maintained at lower voltages when possible while extending device lifespan through reduced stress on aging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating voltage parameter based on measured performance curves and battery aging data. By characterizing the device's performance at different voltage levels and comparing actual performance to expected performance, the system identifies optimal voltage settings that balance speed requirements with power consumption and longevity considerations, adjusting the voltage parameter to match actual device capabilities rather than relying on initial specifications.
2Speed
If operating voltage is increased to compensate for aging devices, then device performance is maintained, but device lifespan decreases due to faster degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where device performance is continuously monitored and compared against expected performance curves. When performance degradation is detected, the system adjusts operating voltage in response to this feedback while also considering battery aging data. This closed-loop approach prevents excessive voltage increases that would accelerate degradation, instead finding the minimal voltage adjustment needed to maintain acceptable performance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of device performance at various voltage levels and stores this data for future reference. By establishing performance curves in advance and tracking battery aging characteristics beforehand, the system can predict optimal voltage settings before significant performance degradation occurs, allowing for proactive voltage adjustment that maintains performance without over-stressing aging components.
3Productivity
If manufacturer specified operating voltage is used, then device performance is optimized for new devices, but performance degrades as device and battery age
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manufacturer-specified voltage to dynamic voltage adjustment based on actual device and battery conditions. By continuously monitoring performance metrics and battery aging characteristics, the system adapts operating voltage to maintain consistent performance levels throughout the device lifecycle, compensating for aging effects without requiring excessive voltage increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the operating voltage parameter based on empirical performance data collected from the specific device and battery combination. By characterizing actual performance at different voltage levels and comparing against expected performance, the system identifies the optimal voltage setting that maintains productivity for aging devices, adjusting this parameter based on real-world conditions rather than relying on initial manufacturer specifications.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The described technology provides a method for dynamically adjusting operating voltage of a device, including receiving device characteristics data related to a device, performing a margining test for the device to generate a performance curve characterizing variation of the device's current performance speeds at various operating voltages from expected performance speeds at the various operating voltages, determining an operating voltage for the device based on the device characteristics data and the performance curve, and adjusting the operating of the device based on the determined operating voltage.