Embedded Power Control for Limited AC Line Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in optimizing low power states when AC line power availability is limited, leading to inefficient power management and potential system shutdowns due to exceeding power capacity limits.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a trigger condition based on user input or system detection, limiting electrical power drawn from a power adapter to the lesser of its rating and the AC line power source capacity, and switching between low and high power operating modes to conserve energy, with the option to draw additional power from an internal battery for operation and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the information handling system draws maximum power from the power adapter, then the system performance and charging speed are improved, but the system may exceed the AC line power source capacity and cause shutdowns or instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power drawing based on detected AC line power source capacity. The embedded controller monitors power adapter output and determines whether the AC line source can support high-power operation, automatically switching between high-power and low-power modes to maintain stability while optimizing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the power adapter output characteristics and using this information to control power drawing. The embedded controller continuously monitors the power source capacity and adjusts the power consumption accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents exceeding power limits.
2Reliability
If the system limits electrical power drawn from the power adapter, then the system operates reliably within power capacity limits, but the system performance and charging speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic power mode switching between high-power and low-power modes based on real-time detection of AC line power source capacity. This allows the system to maximize performance when sufficient power is available while ensuring reliable operation when power is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller changes operational parameters by detecting power adapter characteristics and adjusting the power drawing level accordingly. The system modifies its power consumption parameters to match the detected AC line source capacity, optimizing the balance between performance and reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system operates in low power mode, then power consumption is reduced and runtime is extended, but the system performance and operational capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low-power and high-power modes based on detected AC line power source capacity. When sufficient power is available, the system transitions to high-power mode to maximize performance, while automatically returning to low-power mode when power limits are detected, optimizing the trade-off between energy efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality by being capable of operating in both low-power and high-power modes depending on conditions. The embedded controller enables the system to adapt its operational characteristics to match available power resources, providing both energy-efficient operation and high-performance capability when needed.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the system draws additional power from the internal battery to supplement limited AC line power, then continuous operation is maintained, but the battery charge level depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of AC line power source capacity before attempting high-power operation. By detecting power adapter characteristics in advance, the system can determine whether to proceed with high-power mode or switch to low-power mode with battery supplementation, preventing power exceeded conditions and optimizing battery usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller acts as an intermediary that manages power flow between the power adapter, internal battery, and system components. It coordinates battery discharge to supplement limited AC line power while monitoring overall power balance to extend total operational duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed information handling system is coupled to a power adapter that is coupled to an AC line power source. The system includes an embedded controller storing instructions executable to determine that a trigger condition for limiting electrical power drawn by the system from the power adapter is met and, in response to the determination and in accordance with a low power operating mode, to limit electrical power drawn from the power adapter by the system to an amount less than or equal to the lesser of a power rating of the power adapter and a capacity of the AC line power source to supply electrical power. Limiting the electrical power drawn from the power adapter may include limiting the electrical power consumed by operation of the system or limiting a rate at which an internal battery of the system is charged by electrical power supplied by the power adapter.