Power Control System for Overclocked CPU Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer devices with overclocked CPUs frequently switch between operational and power-off states, leading to reduced service lifetime and increased noise due to frequent power cycling, and inadequate cooling, which can cause overheating.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that allows the computer system and power system to operate in different modes by intercepting signals and maintaining power supply to critical components, such as the cooling system, even when the CPU is in a non-operating state, thereby preventing frequent power cycles and ensuring continuous cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the computer system enters power-off state (S5 mode) when CPU is overclocked, then the computer system saves energy, but the cooling system powers off causing CPU overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management into two independent controllable parts: computer system power state and power system output state. By introducing a power control system that can independently manage voltage regulator outputs, the cooling system is separated from the mandatory power-off sequence, allowing it to remain operational while the CPU is in power-off state, thus preventing overheating while maintaining energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power control system continuously monitors CPU state and dynamically adjusts power system output accordingly. When CPU is overclocked and in power-off state, the system dynamically maintains power output to cooling components, creating an adaptive response that prevents overheating while preserving energy efficiency during normal operation.
2Productivity
If the computer system frequently switches between operational and power-off states, then the system responds to workload changes, but the frequent power cycling reduces service lifetime and increases noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the power system during computer system power-off states, particularly for cooling components. This continuity prevents the harmful on-off cycling that reduces component lifespan and generates noise, while still allowing the computer system to respond to workload changes by entering power-off state when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system acts as an intermediary between the computer system and the power system. It intercepts power-off signals from the computer system and selectively prevents them from reaching the power system's voltage regulators that supply cooling components. This intermediary function decouples the power cycling of the computer system from the power cycling of critical components, extending their service life and reducing noise.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power system shuts down with the computer system, then the system achieves complete power-off state, but critical components like cooling system cannot maintain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power management policies to different components based on their specific requirements. Critical components such as cooling systems receive continued power supply during computer system power-off states, while non-critical components are allowed to power down. This localized quality approach ensures that components with specific operational requirements maintain their functionality even when the overall system is in power-off state.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power control system and a power control method thereof applied to a computer device are provided. The computer device includes a computer system and a power system. The power system includes a plurality of voltage regulators for providing supply voltages to the components of the computer device. The power control system is coupled to the computer system and the power system and includes an overclocking frequency mode. When the computer system receives an OFF signal and enters a non-operating mode, and when the power control system is in the overclocking frequency mode, the power control system sends a SYSTEM-SHUTDOWN signal to the computer system to control the power system to enter the non-operating mode and to control the power system to keep outputting supply voltages.