Dynamic Processor Power Envelope Adjustment for Battery Under-Voltage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems experience unexpected shutdowns due to battery voltage drops below a threshold, especially under heavy loading, particularly in systems with lower capacity batteries nearing depletion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a battery management unit (BMU) that dynamically adjusts the processor's maximum instantaneous power envelope based on the battery's state of charge, supporting or not supporting dynamic battery power technology, and updating registers with updated processor peak power values to prevent under-voltage shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the battery operates at high power under heavy loading, then the processing capability is improved, but the battery voltage drops below threshold causing unexpected shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the processor's maximum instantaneous power envelope based on real-time battery state of charge (RSoC). The system transitions from static power limits to dynamic power management, where the power envelope is continuously adjusted according to battery capacity levels. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high processing capability when battery capacity is high, while automatically reducing power limits to prevent voltage drops and shutdowns when battery capacity decreases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power envelope parameter dynamically based on battery state of charge. By modifying the maximum instantaneous power envelope parameter according to RSoC thresholds, the system adapts the processor's power consumption limits. This parameter change resolves the technical contradiction by aligning power consumption with available battery capacity, preventing voltage drops while maintaining processing capability as long as possible.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is reduced to extend battery life, then the duration of action is improved, but the available processing capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power envelope based on real-time battery state of charge, allowing the processor to operate at different power levels depending on remaining battery capacity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling extended battery life through reduced power consumption when capacity is low, while maintaining high processing capability when battery capacity is high, thus optimizing the trade-off between duration and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter changes in the power envelope based on battery state of charge thresholds. By changing the maximum instantaneous power parameter according to RSoC, the system extends battery life by reducing power consumption as capacity depletes, while preserving processing capability when battery capacity is sufficient.
3Productivity
If the power envelope is increased to maintain processing capability, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of under-voltage shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the battery state of charge is continuously monitored and used to adjust the power envelope. The system receives feedback about battery capacity levels and automatically modifies the maximum instantaneous power limit accordingly. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by preventing under-voltage shutdowns through proactive power management, while maintaining processing capability as long as battery capacity allows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by adjusting the power envelope in advance based on predicted battery capacity levels. By proactively reducing the power envelope before voltage drops occur, the system prevents under-voltage shutdowns while maintaining processing capability as long as possible.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer programs encoded on computer storage medium, for polling a battery management unit (BMU) that is coupled to a battery power source, the polling including identifying parameters associated with the battery power source and are stored by registers; determining that an AC power source is not actively providing power to the IHS; determining that the battery power source does not support dynamic battery power technology (DBPT); determining that the RSoC of the battery power source is greater than a first threshold percentage and less than a second threshold percentage; determining an updated processor peak power (PPP) value based on i) the RSOC, ii) a minimum PPP of the processor at the first threshold percentage, and iii) a maximum PPP of the processor at the second threshold percentage; and updating the registers based on the updated PPP.