Energy Storage Supplement for Mobile Platform Peak Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power demands of high-performance CPUs in mobile devices pose challenges for battery configurations, particularly in 1S systems, where voltage droops can lead to system instability and performance constraints, especially when connected devices like mice or storage devices are used with Type C USB connectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an energy storage system, such as capacitors, that supplements battery power to maintain system voltage above the minimum required level, using a power delivery system that includes voltage monitoring and a battery controller to manage energy storage and charging, ensuring stable operation even during peak power demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a 1S battery configuration is used to reduce voltage regulator size and improve efficiency, then device size and power efficiency are improved, but the system cannot meet peak power requirements and voltage droops below minimum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is charged in advance during normal operation when power demand is low, so that it can quickly discharge and supplement power during peak demand periods. The controller monitors power consumption and pre-charges the energy storage device before voltage droop occurs, enabling rapid response to CPU turbo mode activation or Type C connector power draws.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters by switching between battery-only mode and combined battery-energy storage mode based on power demand. When peak power is required, the energy storage device is activated to supplement the battery output, effectively changing the system's power delivery capability from limited to enhanced without altering the physical battery configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If a 1S battery configuration is used, then voltage regulator size is reduced, but the system voltage droops below minimum levels during high power demand
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the battery and the voltage regulator. It buffers power fluctuations by absorbing excess power during low demand and releasing power during high demand, preventing voltage droop from reaching the regulator input and ensuring stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-charged during normal operation, creating a power reserve that cushions against sudden power demands. This prevents voltage droop from occurring in the first place, maintaining voltage stability without requiring a larger battery or regulator.
3Reliability
If peak power is limited to maintain voltage above minimum levels, then voltage stability is maintained, but CPU performance and system throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-charged during normal operation so that when CPU turbo mode or high-power operations are needed, immediate supplemental power is available. This eliminates the need to limit CPU frequency or throttle performance to maintain voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system becomes dynamic by allowing peak power draws when needed, with the energy storage device absorbing the transient load. The controller dynamically manages power distribution between battery and energy storage based on real-time demand, enabling high performance during brief periods while maintaining overall stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a Type C USB connector is added to provide 15W power, then device versatility is improved, but the minimum system voltage is exceeded and voltage droop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device serves as an intermediary that absorbs the additional power draw from the Type C connector. When a device draws power from the Type C port, the energy storage device supplements the battery output to maintain system voltage, enabling versatile connectivity without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device provides multi-functionality by serving both as a power supplement during CPU turbo mode and as a buffer during Type C connector power draws. This single component handles multiple power management scenarios, enabling both high performance and versatile connectivity.
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 effectively maintains system voltage stability, preventing performance drops and potential damage by supplementing power from energy storage when battery voltage droops, allowing for higher peak power delivery and improved performance in both 1S and 2S systems.
Implementation Method 1
a battery operable to provide power to a system load
Implementation Method 2
The input storage may comprise one or more capacitors
Implementation Method 3
voltage monitoring hardware to monitor voltage being supplied by the battery to a system load
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for extending peak power capability of a computing device. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: voltage monitoring hardware to monitor voltage being supplied by a battery to a system load; and an energy storage coupled to the voltage monitoring hardware and/or charging scheme to supplement supply of power to the system load when the voltage supplied to the system load by the battery, as monitored by the voltage monitoring hardware, drops below a first threshold voltage level, the first threshold voltage level being above a minimum voltage level associated with the computing system.