Dynamic Voltage Source for Turbo Power Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact computing devices face challenges in meeting system power requirements during turbo or Power Limit 4 (PL4) events, leading to potential abrupt shutdowns, especially when the battery state of charge is low, due to limited peak power capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic voltage source in series with the battery, using a bi-directional buck boost battery charger and capacitors to provide additional power during turbo events, ensuring the system voltage remains above a minimum level, and reducing processor power when capacitors are depleted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the processor operates in turbo mode to increase performance, then the processing speed and task completion capability are improved, but the power consumption exceeds the battery's peak power capability causing system shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidpeak power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is pre-charged to a high voltage level (e.g., 20V) before the turbo event occurs. When the turbo mode is activated, the pre-charged capacitor immediately discharges to supplement the battery power, allowing the processor to sustain turbo frequencies without exceeding the battery's peak power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the battery and the processor. It buffers the power delivery by providing additional peak current during turbo events, mediating between the battery's limited peak power capability and the processor's high power demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If larger capacitors are used to extend turbo support time, then the duration of turbo mode is improved, but the device volume and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbo support timeVSAvoidcapacitor volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the operating voltage parameter of the capacitor. By charging the capacitor to a higher voltage (e.g., 20V) than the normal system operating voltage, the energy storage capacity is increased without physically enlarging the capacitor. This allows extended turbo support time while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution extends turbo support time by up to 64% and allows for reduced capacitance while maintaining system performance, preventing shutdowns and optimizing power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

use energy stored in capacitors to provide another source of power to the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a dynamic voltage source in series with the battery to clamp a system voltage from going below a minimum system voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage clamping:

Data Source

PatentUS11476692B2Turbo support for systems with limited battery power

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In some examples, an apparatus includes a battery and a dynamic voltage source coupled in series with the battery. The dynamic voltage source is to maintain (or clamp) a system voltage from going below a minimum system voltage.