Processing Circuitry Power Control via Ambient Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in optimizing power consumption, particularly in processing circuitry, as they often operate at full speed and power regardless of load, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that sense ambient temperature to switch between different processing modes, using a controller to select the mode with the lowest estimated power consumption based on temperature and load, incorporating an ambient temperature sensor and processing circuitry with dynamic voltage and frequency scaling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If processing circuitry operates at full speed and full power, then processing capability is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (voltage, frequency, processing mode) based on real-time temperature sensing and processing load conditions. The system transitions between different processing modes (first processing mode at higher power, second processing mode at lower power) to optimize the balance between processing capability and power consumption, rather than operating statically at full power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (voltage level, frequency, processing mode selection) based on temperature and load conditions. At lower temperatures, the circuitry can operate at higher voltage and frequency for maximum performance. As temperature increases, the system transitions to lower voltage and frequency modes to reduce power consumption while maintaining acceptable performance.
2Speed
If processing circuitry operates at higher voltage and frequency, then processing speed is improved, but leakage current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensing that provides feedback about the thermal state of the processing circuitry. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts operating parameters to prevent excessive temperature rise and associated leakage current increases. The system monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency to maintain optimal operation while minimizing leakage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If processing mode is dynamically adjusted based on temperature, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors thermal conditions for power management decisions, prevents overheating, and provides data for dynamic mode selection. The processing circuitry itself can operate in multiple modes (high-performance mode at lower temperatures, low-power mode at higher temperatures), making the system adaptable to different operating conditions without requiring entirely separate hardware systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting processing modes in response to temperature and load changes, optimizing power usage and minimizing leakage current.
Implementation Method 1
sensing an ambient temperature at an electronic apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: sensing an ambient temperature at an electronic apparatus; and switching between a first processing mode of the electronic apparatus and a second processing mode of the electronic device, in response to an increase in the ambient temperature above a threshold.