Processor Power-State Switching for Low-Power Management Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer processors consume excessive energy and generate heat when operating in high power states during management modes without providing performance improvements, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing circuitry to manage power states and operating modes by saving the processor's context and transitioning to a low power state during management modes, and restoring the original power state upon exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the processor operates in a high power state during management mode, then the processor can respond quickly to management events, but the processor consumes excessive energy and generates heat without providing performance improvements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state management by enabling the processor to transition between different power states (C-states) based on the operational context. During management mode operations, the processor dynamically adjusts its power state rather than remaining statically in a high power state, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power state parameter of the processor based on operational mode. By monitoring whether the processor is operating in management mode or application mode, the system adjusts the power state parameter accordingly - using lower power states during management mode when high performance is not required, and higher power states during application mode when performance is needed.
2Power
If the processor operates in a high power state during management mode, then the processor maintains high performance capability, but heat generation increases without performance benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power state parameter of the processor based on operational mode. By monitoring whether the processor is operating in management mode or application mode, the system adjusts the power state parameter accordingly - using lower power states during management mode when high performance is not required, and higher power states during application mode when performance is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would be wasted energy (the harmful effect of high power consumption during low-demand management mode) into a benefit by redirecting it to maintain lower power states. This reduces unnecessary heat generation while ensuring that power is available when actually needed for application processing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processor transitions to low power states during management mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the processor must restore power state upon exit which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the exit from management mode and automatically triggers the restoration of the original power state. This feedback loop ensures that the power state is appropriately adjusted based on the operational context without requiring complex manual intervention or predetermined configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system serves itself by automatically tracking and restoring power states based on mode transitions. The system self-manages the complexity of power state coordination without requiring external control logic, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining effective power management.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a processor may include processing circuits to execute instructions. The processor may also include at least one circuit to: detect a management mode trigger event during operation of the processor in a first power state, the management mode trigger event to initiate a management mode in the processor; in response to a detection of the management mode trigger event, switch the processor from the first power state to a second power state; and after a switch of the processor from the first power state to the second power state, initiate the management mode in the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.