Processor Thermal Protection via Firmware Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat dissipation methods for computer systems, such as heat dissipating fans and heat sinks, are inefficient and prone to dust accumulation, leading to unstable processor operation and reduced lifespan due to inadequate thermal protection.
Innovation Solution
A thermal protection method using system firmware to monitor processor temperature and loading, adjusting the processor's performance state level to lower its frequency when thresholds are exceeded, thereby reducing temperature and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipating fans are used to remove heat generated by the processor, then heat dissipation is improved, but dust accumulation leads to fan shutdown and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat dissipation system (fans and heat sinks) with a software-based thermal protection mechanism. The system firmware monitors processor temperature and dynamically adjusts performance state levels, eliminating moving parts that accumulate dust and fail mechanically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the processor by dynamically adjusting performance state levels based on temperature monitoring. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system transitions the processor to lower performance states with reduced frequency, thereby reducing heat generation without mechanical intervention.
2Temperature
If heat sinks are used to conduct heat away from the processor, then heat dissipation is improved, but thermal contact efficiency is limited by interface tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal conduction system (heat sinks with thermal paste interfaces) with a software-based approach. By monitoring temperature and adjusting processor performance states, the system eliminates the need for physical thermal contact interfaces that suffer from tightness and reliability issues.
3Productivity
If processor operates at high frequency for enhanced efficiency, then calculation capability is improved, but heat generation increases and thermal protection becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of processor performance states based on real-time temperature monitoring. The system firmware continuously monitors temperature and loading, and dynamically transitions between performance states (P-states) to balance calculation capability with thermal management, allowing high frequency operation when cool and reducing frequency when hot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the system firmware monitors processor temperature and loading, compares against predetermined thresholds, and adjusts performance state levels accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the processor to self-regulate its operating frequency based on thermal conditions, maintaining optimal performance while preventing overheating.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal protection method for a computer system including at least a processor includes monitoring the temperature and loading of the processor via a system firmware in the computer system, obtaining the current performance state level and at least an operable performance state levels of the processor when the system firmware determines that the temperature and loading of the processor exceeds a predetermined value respectively, wherein the performance state level is associated to the frequency of the processor, and setting the processor to one of the operable performance state levels, wherein the frequency of the performance state level is lower than the frequency of the current performance state level, according to the current performance state level and the operable performance state levels.