GPU Bus Signal Control for Low Power State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphics processing units (GPUs) on graphics cards consume significant power and generate heat, leading to noise, and simply powering them off is unattractive due to long boot processes and potential loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller on the graphics card dynamically controls bus signals to notify the motherboard to stop driving signals into the GPU during low power states, placing them in a high impedance state to reduce power consumption and noise, while maintaining power for the microcontroller to manage the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the graphics card is powered on continuously, then graphics processing functionality is available, but power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the GPU to transition between active and low-power states based on workload demands. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the GPU rather than maintaining a fixed power state, allowing it to consume minimal power during idle periods while providing full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power state parameter of the GPU from a constant high-power state to a variable state that can switch between active and low-power modes. This parameter change enables the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining the capability to perform graphics processing when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the entire graphics card is powered down, then power consumption is reduced, but boot process time increases and functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphics card into two independent parts: the GPU that can be powered down and the microcontroller that remains powered. This segmentation allows selective power management where only the necessary components remain active, enabling fast wake-up times while achieving significant power savings. The microcontroller can quickly reinitialize the GPU without requiring a complete system boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller performs preliminary actions by maintaining its operational state and keeping configuration data in memory even when the GPU is powered down. This preliminary preparation allows the GPU to be rapidly reactivated without going through a complete boot process, reducing wake-up time while maintaining power savings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the graphics card remains powered on, then display detection and other functionalities are maintained, but noise from cooling fans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cooling control where the cooling fan operates only when the GPU is in an active state. During low-power states, the fan stops or reduces operation, significantly reducing noise. The system dynamically adjusts cooling based on the GPU's operational state rather than running continuously.
4Productivity
If bus signals are continuously driven into the GPU, then the GPU remains ready for processing, but power consumption increases during low activity states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the microcontroller periodically monitor system state and dynamically control the enabling/disabling of bus signals based on whether the GPU is active or in low-power mode. During low-power states, bus signals are disabled to save power; during active states, signals are enabled to maintain processing readiness. This periodic control optimizes the balance between productivity and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for dynamically turning off bus signals driven into a graphics processing unit (GPU) when the GPU is in a low power state. The GPU may be located on a graphics card mounted to a motherboard by a bus, such as a PCI-Express bus.