Load Manager for Processing Units in Unregulated Power Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Classic design approaches for computational efficiency in low-power environments are hindered by thermal losses from voltage regulation and non-optimal load-matching for variable power sources, which are costly and inefficient, especially in environments like solar power where power supply varies significantly.

Innovation Solution

A structure and method that includes a load manager to selectively control the operation of processing units based on determining an optimal point for maximizing computational efficiency, eliminating the need for voltage regulation by using an unregulated power source and adjusting the number and frequency of active processing units in response to varying power conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If voltage regulation is used to output constant voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but thermal power loss increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidthermal power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the voltage regulator component from the system entirely. Instead of regulating voltage to maintain stability, the system accepts variable voltage from the power source and adapts the processing units' operation accordingly, eliminating the source of thermal power loss while maintaining functional stability through dynamic load management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic operation of processing units that adjusts their activity level based on available power. The load manager dynamically controls which processing units are active and at what frequency, allowing the system to adapt to varying voltage conditions without requiring voltage stabilization, thus eliminating thermal losses from regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If voltage regulation is used to output constant voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own processing units and load manager to adapt to power variations without external regulation. The processing units themselves adjust their operation based on available power, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for expensive voltage regulation hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If classic design approaches are used, then simplicity is maintained, but computational efficiency is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidcomputational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of processing units (activity level, frequency) based on available power conditions. Instead of maintaining constant operation, the system varies these parameters to match power availability, achieving optimal computational efficiency across different power conditions while maintaining design simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If processing units operate at high frequency, then computational throughput is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputational throughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic activation of processing units rather than continuous high-frequency operation. The load manager controls which units are active at any given time, creating a periodic pattern of computation that matches available power while maintaining overall computational throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8055925B2Structure and method to optimize computational efficiency in low-power environments

Publication Date: 2011.11.08 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

A method and structure to optimize computational efficiency in a low-power environment. The method includes determining an optimal point for maximizing computational efficiency in a low-power environment, and selectively controlling operation of at least one processing unit of a plurality of processing units in accordance with the determined optimal point. The structure includes a plurality of processing units, a load manager controlling selective parallel operation of at least one processing unit of the plurality of processing units, and an unregulated power source.