Generic Processor Driver for Multi-Type Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in efficiently managing processor power consumption due to variations in power management capabilities across different processor types, requiring multiple processor drivers and complex power management dependencies, which increases energy usage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ACPI object that describes power management controls, allowing a generic processor driver to be used, enabling an operating system kernel to interact efficiently with multiple ACPI-compliant devices by providing a platform for power management capabilities and interfaces, identifying processor types, loading a generic driver, and responding to power management events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processor drivers are used to support different processor types, then compatibility with various processor types is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ACPI-compliant interface that allows a single generic processor driver to manage power states across multiple processor types. The ACPI object structure defines standardized control and status fields that different processor types can implement, enabling one driver to handle Intel, AMD, and other processor architectures without requiring type-specific drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining control fields (such as control value and control mask) that can be adjusted to accommodate different processor types. The ACPI interface allows the same driver to modify parameters like voltage and frequency based on the specific processor type detected, achieving adaptability through parameter configuration rather than code differentiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processor drivers are used to support different processor types, then compatibility with various processor types is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ACPI-compliant interface that allows a single generic processor driver to manage power states across multiple processor types. The ACPI object structure defines standardized control and status fields that different processor types can implement, enabling one driver to handle Intel, AMD, and other processor architectures without requiring type-specific drivers.
3Productivity
If processor voltage and frequency are increased to improve computing speed, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the system to adjust processor voltage and frequency based on actual computing needs. The ACPI interface enables the operating system to transition between performance states (P-states), dynamically scaling processor performance up or down depending on workload requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms through status fields in the ACPI interface that allow the system to monitor current processor state and adjust voltage/frequency settings accordingly. The control mask field enables selective modification of status registers based on feedback from the processor, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual performance needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Processor power management capabilities that enable an operating system kernel to interact with a plurality of ACPI-compliant computing devices to manage processor power using a generic processor description. Specifications of power processor management capabilities of processor types are stored in data structures, i.e., objects. Each object contains a control value field and a control mask field. The kernel loads a generic processor driver and objects for each processor type enabling the kernel to respond to power management events such as processor utilization and processor operating temperature events. In response to a power management event, the kernel calculates a desired processor performance state; sets bits in the control mask field to describe the desired processor performance state; and passes the control mask to the generic processor driver which controls the processor. Responses to power management events include adjusting processor voltage and/or adjusting processor frequency.