Linked Independent Controllers for Computing Device Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simple control systems for computing devices are inadequate in managing complex cooling needs due to their reliance on a single approach, which does not account for varying heat sources and operating conditions, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that link multiple independent controllers to determine and apply maximal control efforts based on current temperature thresholds, allowing for varied control strategies to manage temperature effectively across different components of a computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple control system with a single approach is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling performance becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent controllers, each responsible for specific temperature ranges or cooling strategies. Each controller operates autonomously with its own thresholds and control efforts, allowing specialized handling of different thermal conditions while maintaining manageable individual complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple controllers are designed to handle various cooling scenarios and temperature conditions, making the overall system versatile. Each controller can be tuned for specific operating conditions, and together they provide comprehensive coverage across all possible thermal states, achieving multi-functionality in temperature management.
2Ease of operation
If a single control approach is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically selects and applies different control efforts based on current operating conditions. Multiple controllers with different thresholds and strategies allow the system to adapt its behavior in real-time according to temperature levels, user activity, and thermal conditions, making the system both easy to operate and highly adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller is configured with different parameters including temperature thresholds, control effort levels, and response characteristics. By changing these parameters across multiple controllers, the system achieves adaptability to various operating conditions while maintaining simple operation through automated parameter selection.
3Reliability
If multiple independent controllers are linked to provide multiple control approaches, then the cooling performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control problem is segmented into multiple independent controllers, each handling specific aspects of temperature management. This segmentation allows the overall complex system to be built from simpler, manageable components with well-defined responsibilities for different temperature ranges or cooling strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent controllers are merged into a unified control system that coordinates their efforts. The controllers work together in a coordinated manner, combining their individual capabilities to achieve superior cooling performance that none could achieve alone, while the merging process manages the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A linked multiple independent control system can include two or more independent controllers configured to cooperatively control operating points of a system. In one particular embodiment, the linked multiple independent control system can control operating temperatures of a computing device. In one embodiment, the independent controllers can operate in parallel to develop control effort signals that are used by the computing device to affect operating parameters of one or more components included in the computing device. In another embodiment, independent controllers can have independent temperature thresholds that can affect control effort signals only from the related controller.