Hybrid Computing Device Processor Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic computing devices require frequent recharging or battery replacement due to high power consumption, leading to user frustration and reduced battery life, especially when performing high-performance functions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid computing device with multiple processors, where a low power processor handles low-power tasks and switches to a high-performance processor for demanding functions, optimizing power usage and extending battery life by dynamically allocating power based on the requested function's requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single high-performance processor is used to handle all functions, then the device can perform demanding functions effectively, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct processor components: a low-power processor and a high-performance processor. Each processor handles specific types of tasks based on power and performance requirements. The low-power processor manages basic functions and idle states, while the high-performance processor handles demanding computations when needed, thereby segmenting the computational workload to optimize overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between processors based on the current task requirements and power state. The low-power processor can transition the device to sleep modes and handle wake-up events, while the high-performance processor is activated only when demanding functions are detected. This dynamic allocation of computational resources allows the system to adapt its power consumption to actual workload demands.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a low-power processor is used to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but the device cannot handle high-performance functions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The computational system is segmented into two processor types with distinct capabilities. The low-power processor handles routine tasks, input/output operations, and power management, while the high-performance processor is reserved for computationally intensive functions. This segmentation ensures that the device can operate in low-power mode for extended periods while still having the capability to execute high-performance functions when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power processor acts as an intermediary between the device's peripheral interfaces and the high-performance processor. It manages input/output operations, handles wake-up events from sleep modes, and determines when high-performance computing is needed, thereby protecting the high-performance processor from unnecessary activation and extending overall system battery life.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device switches between different processors based on power needs, then power efficiency is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionalities of two processors into a unified architecture where the low-power processor and high-performance processor work together under a common power management framework. The low-power processor handles power management, input/output, and wake-up events, while the high-performance processor focuses on computationally intensive tasks. This merging approach consolidates control logic and reduces the overall system complexity compared to having fully independent processor systems.
4Ease of operation
If the high-performance processor is always active to maintain functionality, then all functions are immediately available, but power consumption increases and battery depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor activation based on detected function requirements. The low-power processor continuously monitors for wake-up events and determines whether the requested function can be handled in low-power mode or requires high-performance processing. This dynamic approach ensures that functions are available when needed while minimizing the time the high-performance processor remains active, thereby extending battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power processor performs preliminary assessment of incoming function requests before activating the high-performance processor. It evaluates whether the requested function can be handled by the low-power processor or requires high-performance capabilities, and only activates the high-performance processor when absolutely necessary. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary high-performance processor activation and conserves battery power.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method provide power to perform functions on a computing device. In one example, the apparatus contains multiple processors that may operate at different power levels to consume different amounts of power. Also, any of the multiple processors may perform different functions. For example, one processor may be a low power processor that may control or operate at least one peripheral device to perform a low capacity function. Control may also switch from the low power processor to a high capacity processor. In one example, the high capacity processor controls the low power processor and further controls the at least one peripheral device through the lower power processor.