Power Supply Unit Idle Power Reduction via S9 State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power Supply Units (PSUs) in computing systems consume significant idle power due to low efficiency in low power states, especially in scenarios where rapid wake-up times are required, leading to increased utility bills and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power saving mode, such as the S9 state, which allows the PSU to enter a low power consumption state while still delivering voltage for essential operations, reducing current draw and enabling long wake-up latency, thus minimizing power consumption without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the PSU operates in traditional power states, then the wake-up time is fast, but the idle power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing multiple power states (S5, S9, S9W) with different characteristics. The system can dynamically transition between these states based on workload requirements. Specifically, the S9 state provides deep power savings with extended wake-up time, while the S9W state offers a balanced compromise with moderate power savings and acceptable wake-up performance, allowing the PSU to adapt its behavior to match system needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters of the PSU including power consumption level, wake-up time, and efficiency characteristics. By defining distinct power states with different parameter combinations (S5 with faster wake-up but higher power consumption, S9 with deeper savings but longer wake-up time, and S9W as an intermediate state), the system can optimize for either power efficiency or response time depending on the operational context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality is integrated onto IC chip, then the device capability increases, but the heat generation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management into distinct controllable states (S5, S9, S9W) with different power consumption levels. This allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary functionality based on current workload requirements, rather than maintaining all functions at full power readiness. The segmented approach enables fine-grained control over the balance between device capability and power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to controlling power consumption by a Power Supply Unit (PSU) during idle state are described. In one embodiment, a power supply unit enters a lower power consumption state (e.g., S9) based on power state information, corresponding to one or more components of the platform, and comparison of a first value (corresponding to a frequency/frequentness of entry into the lower power consumption state) to a first threshold value. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.