Processor Power Management via IMON Offset Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in optimizing processor power utilization based on workload and thermal conditions, leading to inefficient power management and potential performance drops.

Innovation Solution

An embedded controller determines processor and voltage regulator temperatures, comparing them to thresholds to provide power utilization information, adjusting the IMON offset to optimize power usage and performance by informing the processor of its current power utilization relative to actual usage, thereby dynamically adjusting clock frequencies and redistributing power as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the processor operates at high power levels to meet workload demands, then processing performance is improved, but thermal conditions deteriorate and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidprocessor temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the IMON offset value based on real-time thermal conditions and workload demands, allowing the processor to operate at optimal power levels that balance performance and thermal management. The offset is adjusted in response to changing conditions rather than remaining static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the embedded controller continuously monitors processor utilization and thermal conditions, then adjusts the IMON offset accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the processor operates at high power levels, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases beyond efficient levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidprocessor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The IMON offset is dynamically adjusted based on actual processor utilization and thermal conditions, enabling the system to optimize power consumption in real-time. When the processor is not fully utilized, the offset is adjusted to reduce power consumption while maintaining adequate performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the IMON parameter (offset value) to control power delivery characteristics. By adjusting this parameter based on utilization and thermal feedback, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and processing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If thermal management is conservative to prevent overheating, then thermal safety is improved, but processing performance drops due to reduced power utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal safetyVSAvoidprocessing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded controller continuously monitors thermal conditions and adjusts the IMON offset in response to temperature feedback. This allows the system to maintain thermal safety while maximizing performance within thermal constraints, rather than operating conservatively at reduced power levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts power delivery characteristics based on real-time thermal conditions. When thermal headroom is available, the system allows higher power utilization; when thermal limits are approached, the system adjusts accordingly, creating an optimal balance between safety and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of energy

If the IMON offset is adjusted to optimize power delivery, then power management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded controller serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of IMON offset adjustment. Rather than requiring complex processor-level control, the embedded controller handles the monitoring and adjustment, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining power management efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11340690B2System and method of utilizing different power levels of at least one processor of an information handling system

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may: determine a utilization value of a processor; determine that the utilization value is at or is above a threshold utilization value; determine a temperature value of the processor; determine a temperature value of a voltage regulator that provides power to the processor; determine if the temperature value of the processor is below a first threshold value and if the temperature value of the voltage regulator is below a second threshold value; if so: determine first power utilization information that informs the processor that it is utilizing less power than it is currently utilizing and provide the first power utilization information to the processor; and otherwise: determine second power utilization information that informs the processor that it is utilizing more power than it is currently utilizing and provide the second power utilization information to the processor.