PCI Device Power Throttling via OBFF Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems lack a mechanism to throttle the power usage of Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) devices during critical power events, leading to increased power consumption as high-power devices like CPUs and GPUs are installed, potentially exceeding 50% of total platform power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Opportunistic Buffer Flush and Fill (OBFF) signaling, managed by a system management engine, to temporarily reduce power consumption by deferring optional transactions from PCI devices during critical power events, utilizing a signal line to communicate the OBFF state and control power usage through a node manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCI devices are allowed to operate at full power, then system performance and functionality are maintained, but power consumption increases significantly during critical power events
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts PCI device operation modes based on power conditions. A power management controller monitors power availability and dynamically transitions devices between full-power operation and throttled/low-power states, allowing the system to adapt to critical power events while maintaining essential functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of PCI devices during critical power events. The power management controller modifies device operating parameters such as clock frequencies, data transfer rates, or operational states to reduce power consumption while maintaining minimal acceptable performance levels
2Power
If power supply capacity is increased to handle high-power devices, then power availability is improved, but system cost and power supply size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary power management actions by implementing a power management controller that proactively monitors power conditions and pre-throttles PCI devices before critical power events occur. This preliminary action allows the use of smaller power supply capacitors since the system is already in a low-power state when power events occur
Solution Approach 2:
The power management controller enables PCI devices to self-regulate their power consumption by providing control mechanisms that allow devices to enter low-power states autonomously when power constraints are detected, reducing the burden on the power supply system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for throttling I/O devices in a computer system is provided. In an example, a method for throttling device power demand during critical power events. The method includes detecting a critical power event and issuing a signal to system devices to defer optional transactions during the critical power event.