Multi-stage Voltage Generation for Low Power Standby
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information processing apparatuses, such as laptop PCs, face challenges in reducing power consumption in low power states like modern standby (S0ix state) to extend battery working time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power source control method with a first voltage generation unit producing a lower voltage than the supply voltage, a second voltage generation unit for system activation, and a power source switching unit to manage voltage supply between these units, allowing for efficient power management and reduction in power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the system uses a single power source supply method, then the device complexity is low, but the power consumption cannot be sufficiently reduced in low power states
Solution Approach 1:
The power source supply system is segmented into multiple independent power source generation units (first power source generation unit and second power source generation unit), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary power source units depending on the operational state, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source switching unit dynamically switches between different power source supply configurations based on the operational state of the information processing apparatus. In low power states, it activates only the first power source generation unit, while in active states, it activates both units. This dynamic adaptation optimizes power consumption without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the first power source generation unit constantly outputs power, then the second voltage power source is stable, but the battery working time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first power source generation unit operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when needed (in low power states or when power is required) and deactivated during periods when full power is not needed. This periodic operation maintains power stability when required while extending battery working time by eliminating unnecessary continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power source generation units based on system state. The first power source generation unit's output parameter is dynamically adjusted - it outputs power at appropriate voltage levels only when the system is in low power state or requires power, and stops output when the system is in active state with full power available, thereby optimizing both stability and battery duration.
3Power
If the system activates all power source units, then the power supply is sufficient for system activation, but the power consumption increases in low power states
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is divided into segmented units (first and second power source generation units) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables selective activation - only the necessary units are activated based on system requirements, ensuring sufficient power supply when needed while minimizing power consumption in low power states by deactivating unnecessary units.
Solution Approach 2:
The first power source generation unit is designed with multi-functionality - it can serve as the sole power source in low power states and can also work in conjunction with the second power source generation unit in active states. This universal design ensures power supply sufficiency across different operational modes while optimizing power consumption by adapting its operation to system needs.
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
This approach effectively reduces power consumption in low power states, extending the battery working time by approximately one day in the modern standby mode and ensuring stable power supply during hibernation and shutdown states.
Implementation Method 1
a first power source generation unit configured to generate a first voltage lower than a predetermined supply voltage based on at least power supplied from the battery, from a supply voltage power source of the predetermined supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second power source generation unit configured to generate a second voltage lower than the first voltage and used when at least a system is activated
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first power source generation unit configured to generate a first voltage lower than a predetermined supply voltage based on at least power supplied from a battery, from a supply voltage power source of the predetermined supply voltage, and output the first voltage as a first voltage power source; a second power source generation unit configured to generate a second voltage lower than the first voltage and used when at least a system is activated, and output the second voltage as a second voltage power source; and a power source switching unit configured to switch the supply voltage power source with the first voltage power source to supply the first voltage power source to the second power source generation unit, and cause the second power source generation unit to generate the second voltage power source from the first voltage power source.