External GPU Power Adjustment via Voltage Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems are prone to crashes when an external graphic processing unit (GPU) experiences sudden power termination, leading to potential data loss and irreparable damage, as they fail to adapt power consumption based on varying voltage sources.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine whether power to an external GPU is supplied by a stable AC voltage source or a lower cable voltage source, adjusting the operation speed accordingly and displaying a warning message to the user, with a control unit managing the transition between normal and low speed operations based on input voltage comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the external GPU operates at normal speed with stable AC voltage, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases and system reliability decreases when voltage source changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts GPU operation speed based on the detected voltage source. The control unit monitors whether AC voltage or DC cable voltage is supplied and automatically switches between normal speed mode (for AC power) and low speed mode (for cable power), preventing system crashes while optimizing performance for each power source type.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination module continuously detects the input voltage characteristics and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of GPU operation status, ensuring the system adapts to power source changes and maintains stability by preventing abrupt terminations that would cause crashes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the GPU operates at low speed with cable voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but processing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the GPU based on the power source being used. When DC cable voltage is detected, the control unit adjusts the GPU to operate in low speed mode with reduced power consumption. When stable AC voltage is available, the GPU operates at normal speed with higher performance, optimizing the trade-off between power usage and processing capability.
3Device complexity
If the system does not detect voltage source type, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power sources worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The determination module acts as an intermediary between the power source and the GPU control system. It detects the voltage source type (AC or DC cable voltage) and translates this information into appropriate control signals for the GPU, enabling the system to adapt to different power sources without requiring complex reconfiguration or manual intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively adjusts power consumption of external GPUs by maintaining normal operation with stable AC voltage and reducing power usage with cable voltage, minimizing data loss and system crashes by alerting users to power source changes.
Implementation Method 1
determines whether power to the GPU unit is supplied by a first voltage source or a second voltage source of the voltage sources according to a comparison result of an input voltage input to the external GPU and a default reference voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for adjusting power consumption are provided. The method is adapted for adjusting power consumption of an external graphic processing unit (GPU) according to different voltage sources and includes following steps: determining whether power to the external GPU is supplied by a first voltage source or a second voltage source according to a comparison result of an input voltage of the external GPU and a default reference voltage. If the input voltage is higher than or equal to the default reference voltage, power to the external GPU is supplied by the first voltage source, and the external GPU is controlled to remain in a normal speed operation status. If the input voltage is lower than the default reference voltage, power to the external GPU is supplied by the second voltage source, and the external GPU is controlled to remain in a low speed operation status.