Modem Thermal State Control for QoS-Preserving Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices face challenges in thermal management, as excessive heat generation can impair circuitry and user safety, and existing thermal mitigation techniques often compromise performance quality of service (QoS) when aggressively adjusting operating parameters.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that includes a Thermal Mitigation Engine with a finite state machine, which monitors temperature thresholds and applies specific thermal mitigation actions across various states to balance performance and power savings, distinct from traditional methods used for processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional aggressive thermal mitigation techniques are applied to processors, then thermal energy production is reduced, but quality of service and performance are adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting modem operating parameters (such as data rate, modulation scheme, or power level) based on temperature feedback from thermal sensors. Instead of using fixed aggressive mitigation, the system continuously monitors temperature and modifies operational parameters to maintain thermal safety while preserving performance when conditions allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by transitioning between different operational states (e.g., high-performance mode, reduced-power mode, or shutdown state) based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the modem to optimize between thermal management and performance rather than relying on static aggressive mitigation strategies.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If operating parameters are coarsely adjusted to reduce thermal energy production, then thermal mitigation is achieved, but performance characteristics are adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs fine-grained parameter adjustments rather than coarse changes. By modifying specific operational parameters incrementally based on temperature thresholds, the modem achieves thermal mitigation while maintaining optimal performance characteristics. This allows for nuanced control that avoids the performance degradation associated with coarse adjustments.
3Productivity
If higher data rates are implemented in communications technologies, then communication performance is improved, but thermal energy generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data rates and communication parameters based on real-time thermal conditions. When temperature is within acceptable ranges, higher data rates are permitted to maximize communication performance. When thermal thresholds are approached, the system automatically reduces data rates or adjusts modulation schemes to reduce thermal generation, creating a dynamic balance between communication performance and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The implementation uses thermal feedback from sensors to continuously monitor temperature and adjust communication parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high data rates when thermal conditions permit while automatically reducing thermal generation when necessary, resolving the contradiction between communication performance and heat production.
Data Source
AI summary
Modem thermal management may include a state machine monitoring a temperature associated with a modem, setting a mode in response to detection of a change in the temperature with respect to a threshold, and applying a set of one or more thermal mitigation actions associated with a current state of the state machine. The state machine may set a timer in response to detection of the change in temperature and then transition from the current state to another state in response to expiration of the timer. The monitored temperature may be a junction temperature or a skin temperature.