GPU Power Management via Instant-On Boot Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in portable information handling systems is the high power consumption associated with multi-core graphics solutions, which limits their use on battery power due to reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect a power-on event and determine if an instant-on boot is required, disabling additional GPUs to reduce power consumption, allowing for a single GPU mode that conserves battery life while maintaining graphics processing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-core graphics solution is implemented, then graphics processing ability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing abilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active GPUs based on boot mode. During instant-on boot, only the first GPU is activated to reduce power consumption, while multiple GPUs can be activated during normal boot for enhanced graphics processing. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between performance and power-saving modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of GPU activation by detecting boot mode and accordingly enabling or disabling additional GPUs. The system monitors whether a normal boot or instant-on boot occurred and adjusts the number of active graphics processing units accordingly, transforming the power consumption characteristic based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If additional GPUs are enabled, then graphics processing capability is improved, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active GPUs based on boot mode. During instant-on boot, only the first GPU is activated to reduce power consumption, while multiple GPUs can be activated during normal boot for enhanced graphics processing. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between performance and power-saving modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of GPU activation by detecting boot mode and accordingly enabling or disabling additional GPUs. The system monitors whether a normal boot or instant-on boot occurred and adjusts the number of active graphics processing units accordingly, transforming the power consumption characteristic based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If instant-on boot is implemented, then boot time is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the GPU subsystem into a first GPU that remains active during instant-on boot and additional GPUs that are disabled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain minimal functional capability for quick boot while avoiding the full power consumption of all GPUs, thus reducing energy usage during instant-on operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

During instant-on boot, the system applies partial action by activating only the first GPU rather than all available GPUs. This partial activation provides sufficient functionality for quick boot operations while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from activating all GPUs, thus achieving a balance between speed and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8612652B2Systems, methods, and media for disabling graphic processing units

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system (IHS) provides a method for managing power consumption. The method includes detecting a power-on in the IHS, wherein the IHS comprises a first graphics processing unit (GPU) and at least one additional GPU. The method also includes determining if a normal boot is implemented in the IHS and determining if an instant-on boot occurred if the normal boot is implemented. The at least one additional GPU is disabled if an instant-on boot occurred.