Processor Power Management via Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer device power management systems throttle processors to prevent current overload, but this often results in performance degradation and limited power savings, as the operating voltage remains at maximum even with reduced frequency.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that dynamically adjusts the processor's power state by throttling its operating frequency and voltage, using a controller to monitor current draw and generate signals for incremental or decremental changes in power states based on throttling levels, thereby optimizing power usage without frequent interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the processor is throttled to reduce current draw, then power consumption is reduced, but processor performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processor power state between full performance mode and throttled mode based on real-time current draw monitoring. The controller continuously monitors current consumption and dynamically transitions the processor between operational states to optimize the balance between power savings and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the processor by adjusting its power state. When current draw exceeds thresholds, the processor transitions from a high-performance state to a throttled state with reduced clock frequency, thereby changing its operational characteristics to reduce power consumption while maintaining functionality.
2Power
If the processor is throttled to prevent current overload, then current draw is reduced, but processor operating frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processor operating frequency based on monitored current draw levels. The controller continuously adapts the processor state in response to changing power conditions, transitioning between frequency states to maintain current draw within acceptable thresholds while preserving performance when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors current draw from the power source and uses this information to control processor throttling. The monitoring component provides continuous feedback on power consumption, which the controller uses to adjust processor frequency and power state accordingly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processor is frequently throttled to manage power, then power consumption is controlled, but processing interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of current draw to anticipate when throttling may be needed. By continuously tracking power consumption before thresholds are exceeded, the system can proactively adjust processor state to prevent overload conditions, reducing the need for frequent reactive throttling interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of current draw at defined intervals and uses threshold-based triggers to determine when throttling should occur. This periodic approach with hysteresis thresholds reduces the frequency of state transitions compared to continuous reactive adjustments, thereby minimizing processing interruptions while maintaining power control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer device power management system (10) comprises a controller (30, 70) configured to throttle a processor (14) of a computer device (12) responsive to an overcurrent condition associated with a power source (20, 22) powering the computer device (12), the controller (30, 70) configured to adjust a power state of the processor (14) to at least one of a plurality of predetermined power states based on a level of the throttle.