Power Sequencing Controller for Accelerated Boot Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer power sequencing methods are slow and lengthy, causing prolonged boot times, and often require battery backups for real-time clock functionality, which can lead to additional delays if the battery is discharged.
Innovation Solution
A power sequencing method that provides a real-time clock signal at different frequencies to the south bridge before and after power management resets, utilizing a silicon oscillator and a controller to accelerate the boot process without the need for a battery backup, allowing simultaneous execution of power sequencing steps and reducing wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional power sequencing methods are used, then the computer boots up reliably, but the boot time is slow and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by changing the frequency of the real-time clock signal dynamically during the power sequencing process. The controller provides the signal at a first frequency before power management resets are complete, and switches to a second frequency after resets are complete, allowing the system to adapt its operation to different stages of initialization and reduce overall boot time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal frequency to optimize boot performance. By providing the real-time clock signal at a higher first frequency during critical initialization phases and then transitioning to a lower second frequency after resets complete, the system accelerates time-critical operations while maintaining stability afterward.
2Reliability
If a battery backup is used for real-time clock functionality, then the system maintains time accuracy, but additional delays occur when the battery is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the real-time clock functionality from the battery backup system by providing the real-time clock signal directly from the controller during power sequencing. This eliminates the dependency on battery status and avoids the delays that occur when a discharged battery needs to be replaced or recharged, while maintaining time accuracy through direct controller provision of the signal.
3Stability of the object's composition
If power management resets are completed before providing real-time clock signal, then signal stability is ensured, but boot time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing the real-time clock signal to the south bridge before the power management resets are completed. The controller anticipates the need for the signal and provides it in advance at an appropriate frequency, ensuring that time-critical operations can proceed without waiting for reset completion, thereby reducing boot time while maintaining signal stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller and a method for power sequencing a computer. The controller may be configured to provide to a south bridge, before the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a first frequency, and provide to the south bridge, after the south bridge has completed power management resets, a real time clock signal at a second frequency.