Power Management Logic for Latency-Sensitive Power State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management techniques face challenges in efficiently transitioning between power states due to high transition latency and energy consumption, which can impact performance in applications sensitive to interrupt latency, such as video and network applications, and result in user-visible artifacts or underperformance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that designate a target reduced power state based on expected residency determined by activity request frequency, transitioning the device only when the residency meets a predetermined threshold to balance power savings and performance, using power management control logic to manage transitions and maintain other system components in operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the device transitions to a reduced power state, then power consumption is reduced, but transition latency increases and may impact performance in latency-sensitive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state management by continuously monitoring activity request frequency and adjusting power states accordingly. The system transitions between power states based on real-time workload characteristics, making the power state selection adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically optimizing the trade-off between power savings and transition latency based on actual system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of activity request frequency before transitioning to reduced power states. By evaluating whether the frequency threshold is met before entering a power state, the system ensures that transitions only occur when beneficial, preventing premature transitions that would cause performance issues. This preliminary check resolves the contradiction by ensuring transitions happen only when the workload pattern justifies the power savings.
2Loss of energy
If the device enters a deeper reduced power state, then power savings increase, but transition time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of activity request frequency threshold to determine appropriate power state depth. By monitoring whether activity requests fall below a predetermined frequency threshold, the system selects the appropriate reduced power state depth. This resolves the contradiction by using a measurable parameter (activity frequency) to dynamically adjust the power state, ensuring deeper states are only entered when the workload pattern supports the extended transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring activity request frequency and using this information to make informed decisions about power state transitions. The system feedback loop ensures that transitions to deeper power states occur only when the monitored activity frequency justifies the additional transition overhead, resolving the contradiction between power savings and transition time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device transitions to reduced power states frequently, then average power consumption decreases, but system responsiveness and user experience may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (activity request frequency monitoring and threshold evaluation) between the workload and power state transitions. This intermediary assesses whether conditions are appropriate for transition before actually entering a reduced power state, preventing frequent unnecessary transitions that would harm responsiveness. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by filtering out transitions that would occur too frequently and degrade user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transitioning power states in a device includes designating a first reduced power state as a target power state. A first expected residency for the target power state is determined based on a counting of activity requests associated with the device. The device is transitioned to the target power state responsive to the expected residency satisfying a first predetermined threshold.