Processor Power Control for Selective Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses with multiple processors face challenges in reducing power consumption during power saving modes, as they often require concurrent operation of all processors even when not all are needed, leading to wasteful power usage.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that switches between power modes, using a power control unit to limit power supply to only the necessary processors and memories, allowing for selective operation and reducing overall power consumption by shutting down unnecessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all processors are kept operational in power saving mode, then system functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides processors into multiple groups (first group and second group) and selectively activates only the necessary group based on operational requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality while reducing power consumption by keeping unnecessary processors in a low-power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different processor groups based on operational needs. The control unit can transition from using processors in the first group to processors in the second group, allowing adaptive power management that balances functionality and energy consumption in real-time.
2Productivity
If multiple processors operate concurrently, then processing speed increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating only the minimum number of processors needed for the current task rather than running all processors concurrently. This allows the system to achieve necessary processing speed while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from full processor utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If processors are grouped and switched between groups, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both the activation/deactivation of processor groups and the switching between groups. This universal control mechanism manages the complexity internally, allowing processors to be grouped and switched without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus capable of operating by switching between a first power mode and a second power mode with less power consumption than the first power mode is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories provided in correspondence with the plurality of processors, and controls power supplied to the plurality of processors and the corresponding plurality of memories. When operating in the second power mode, each of the plurality of memories stores a program to be loaded by a corresponding processor of the memory, and when one of the plurality of processors and the corresponding memory operate, power supply to processors and memories other than the one processor and the corresponding memory is limited.