Processor Power Supply with Active Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system architecture lacks active throttling functionality in battery modules, preventing the use of higher performance processors due to peak power limits, which can lead to data loss and system shutdown when the main power supply fails.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an additional power supply with active throttling functionality that can take over when the main power supply fails, and sending signals to the processor to lower clock frequency when output power exceeds peak limits, ensuring stable power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery module is designed to support running the whole system, then the system can operate during main power supply failure, but the battery module cannot support higher performance processors due to peak power limit
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module dynamically adjusts its output by enabling active throttling functionality. When the processor demands power exceeding the battery's peak power limit, the system automatically throttles the processor clock frequency to reduce power consumption, allowing the battery to sustain higher performance processors without causing system shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the battery module by enabling active throttling. This allows the battery to dynamically adjust the processor's clock frequency based on real-time power demands, transforming the static peak power limit into a dynamically manageable parameter that can accommodate higher performance processors
2Device complexity
If the battery module lacks active throttling functionality, then the system architecture remains simple, but higher performance processors cannot be populated due to peak power limit
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is enhanced with multi-functionality by adding active throttling capability. This allows the same battery module to serve both as a simple backup power source and as an intelligent power management device that can dynamically adjust processor performance, making it universally applicable to both legacy and high-performance processor platforms
3Power
If the output power of additional power supply exceeds peak power limit, then more power is available for higher performance processors, but system stability is compromised due to potential shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the power output of the additional power supply and comparing it against the peak power limit. When the power limit is approached or exceeded, the system sends signals to the processor to lower clock frequency, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both high power delivery capability and system stability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a solution for supplying power to a processor. In some embodiments, there is provided a method for supplying power to a processor. The method comprises, in response to determining that an output voltage of a main power supply supplying power to a processor is lower than a predefined threshold, enabling an additional power supply to supply power to the processor. The method further comprises determining output power of the additional power supply. In addition, the method further comprises, in response to determining that the output power of the additional power supply exceeds peak power limit of the additional power supply, sending, by the additional power supply, a signal to the processor to lower a clock frequency of the processor.