GPU Selection Based on Power Source Type

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable computing devices intended for high-performance video processing face inefficiencies when using direct current (DC) power, as the discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) is preferred over the integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU), leading to suboptimal performance and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for selectively utilizing the iGPU over the dGPU based on the power source used, where the system determines if it is using DC or AC power and adjusts the GPU preference accordingly, shutting down the dGPU when on DC power to improve performance and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the dGPU is preferred over the iGPU when using DC power, then graphics processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between dGPU and iGPU based on the detected power source. When AC power is detected, the dGPU is activated for high-performance graphics processing. When DC power is detected, the system switches to the iGPU to reduce power consumption, thereby adapting the graphics processing configuration to the available power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of GPU selection based on power source type. The graphics processing configuration parameter is modified from dGPU preference (AC power) to iGPU preference (DC power), optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption according to the power source conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the dGPU is preferred over the iGPU when using DC power, then graphics processing capability is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the graphics processing configuration based on power source detection. When operating on DC power (battery), the system switches to the iGPU to conserve energy, thereby extending battery life. When AC power is available, the dGPU is activated for enhanced graphics capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the limitation of DC power (lower power availability) into a benefit by automatically switching to the more power-efficient iGPU, thereby extending operational duration on battery power while maintaining acceptable graphics processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the iGPU is used instead of the dGPU when on DC power, then power consumption is reduced, but graphics processing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidgraphics processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the GPU selection parameter based on power source detection. When DC power is detected, the parameter is set to use the iGPU, accepting reduced performance in exchange for lower power consumption. When AC power is detected, the parameter switches to use the dGPU for optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The graphics processing configuration is made dynamic, switching between iGPU and dGPU based on real-time power source detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between performance and power consumption according to the available power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12265441B2Graphics processing unit (GPU) selection based on a utilized power source

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

Graphics processing unit (GPU) selection based on a utilized power source, including: determining that an apparatus is using a direct current (DC) power source instead of an Alternating Current (AC) power source; and causing, in response to the apparatus using the DC power source, the apparatus to preferentially utilize an integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) over a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) while using the DC power source.