Forced Idle Data Processing System Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computer systems face challenges in managing power and thermal characteristics while maintaining high computing power, compactness, and battery performance, as traditional methods of dynamically adjusting CPU frequency fail to effectively manage leakage power, leading to inefficiencies in battery life and thermal design, especially in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to monitor constraint parameters and intelligently decide when to force a data processing system into an idle state based on comparisons between target and actual idle times, allowing the system to operate efficiently while reducing power consumption by preventing unnecessary idling and adjusting power usage dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the system dynamically adjusts CPU frequency to manage power consumption, then dynamic power is reduced, but leakage power remains unchanged and battery life is not significantly improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic forced idle periods where the system intentionally stops executing instructions for predetermined durations. This periodic action allows the system to reduce leakage power consumption during idle intervals while maintaining operational capability during active periods, thereby extending battery life without significantly impacting overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing forced idle states with predetermined durations. The system monitors actual idle time and compares it to target idle time, dynamically adjusting the forced idle parameters to optimize the balance between power consumption and performance requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the system forces idle state to reduce power consumption, then leakage power is reduced, but system performance and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors actual idle time and compares it to target idle time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the forced idle duration and frequency, reducing idle time when performance is critical and increasing it when power savings are prioritized, thus balancing leakage power reduction with performance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the idle state dynamic by allowing the system to adjust idle duration and frequency based on real-time conditions. The forced idle periods are not fixed but adapt to system workload, thermal conditions, and power constraints, enabling flexible optimization between power savings and performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the system continuously monitors and adjusts idle states to optimize power usage, then battery life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power management where the system autonomously monitors its own idle time and automatically adjusts forced idle states without external intervention. The system uses built-in timers and comparison logic to self-regulate power consumption, extending battery life while minimizing the addition of complex external power management hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a data processing system are described. One or more constraint parameters of a system are monitored. The data processing system is forced into an idle state for a first portion of a time while allowed to operate for a second portion of the time based on the one or more constraint parameters, wherein the system is forced into the idle state in response to comparing a target idle time to an actual idle time. The target idle time of the system is determined, in one embodiment, based on the one or more constraint parameters. The actual idle time of the system may be monitored to take into account interrupts which disrupt an idle time and idle times resulting from no software instructions to execute. The system may be allowed to operate based on comparisons of the target idle time and the actual idle time.