Power Management Module Optimizing Energy and Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy consumption is a significant factor in computer system design, particularly in large-scale data centers and mobile devices, where power constraints limit system size and battery life, and existing techniques like Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Switching (DVFS) offer trade-offs between energy and performance but may not optimize for both efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A power management module that monitors total power consumption and adjusts processor controls and other components based on workload behavior using a closed-loop control mechanism, determining optimal operational modes to achieve maximum performance within energy constraints or minimize energy usage within performance constraints by varying clock frequencies and voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If processor clock rate is reduced to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but processor performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor clock rate and supply voltage based on real-time power consumption measurements and workload characteristics. The power management module continuously monitors actual power usage and adapts operational parameters to match actual conditions, enabling the system to operate at optimal performance points rather than using static or pre-defined settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the power management module receives actual power consumption measurements from the processor, compares them against target values, and adjusts clock rate and voltage accordingly. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization of the energy-performance tradeoff based on real system state rather than predictions or estimates.
2Use of energy by moving object
If processor supply voltage is reduced to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but processor performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor supply voltage in conjunction with clock rate changes based on real-time power consumption measurements. The power management module independently controls voltage adjustments to achieve target power levels while maintaining optimal performance, adapting to changing workload conditions rather than using fixed voltage settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple operational parameters simultaneously - both clock rate and supply voltage are adjusted based on measured power consumption and workload characteristics. This multi-parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve more precise control over the energy-performance tradeoff compared to adjusting a single parameter in isolation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If display brightness is reduced to minimize energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts display brightness based on real-time power consumption measurements and actual system state. The power management module monitors power usage and adapts display settings to achieve target power levels while maintaining acceptable user experience, rather than using static brightness settings or simple heuristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop control mechanism incorporates display brightness adjustment as one of the controllable parameters. The power management module receives feedback on actual power consumption and adjusts display brightness accordingly, balancing energy savings with user experience based on real system conditions rather than predictions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power management adjusts components based on predicted workload, then energy consumption is reduced, but accuracy of power estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces predictive power management with a feedback-based approach that uses actual power consumption measurements from sensors and monitoring circuits. The power management module receives real-time feedback on actual power usage and adjusts operational parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for inaccurate power estimation models and predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the computer to self-regulate its power consumption by continuously monitoring its own actual power usage through integrated sensors and measurement circuits. The power management module uses this self-generated feedback information to automatically adjust operational parameters, making the system self-aware of its actual energy state rather than relying on external predictions or estimates.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management module can select one of a plurality of different operational modes for a hardware component in a computer system based on application performance and total computer system power consumption determined for each of the operational modes.