Simulated Hot Unplug Power Management for Plug-in Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In computer systems, especially in limited power sources like laptops, plug-in modules consume energy even when idle, leading to inefficient power management due to manual unplug or software control limitations, which may not fully power down the modules and rely on user intervention for accurate energy management.

Innovation Solution

A power management system that includes a power manager to control the power state of plug-in modules through user settings, device drivers, and BIOS communication, allowing for simulated unplugging and plugging via I/O interfaces, and a software wedge to manage resource usage, enabling efficient power control without actual physical unplug.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If plug-in modules are left connected to the system, then system functionality and application compatibility are maintained, but power consumption increases during idle periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the power state of plug-in modules based on their usage status. The power manager continuously monitors module activity and transitions modules between powered-on and powered-off states, making the power consumption adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain functionality when needed while conserving energy during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power manager automatically manages the power states of plug-in modules without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-monitors module usage and self-regulates power delivery, enabling modules to be powered down when not in use and automatically restored when needed. This eliminates the need for users to manually unplug or power manage each device while still achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If manual device manager software is used to turn off plug-in modules, then power consumption is reduced, but the modules are not fully powered down and continue to consume power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower down effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power manager acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the plug-in modules, providing a layer of control that ensures complete power management. Rather than relying on device manager software that may not fully power down modules, the power manager directly controls the power delivery to modules, ensuring they are completely powered off when not in use while maintaining reliable reactivation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual on/off control is implemented, then user control over power usage is achieved, but accurate energy management is not provided and user intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser controlVSAvoidautomatic power management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The power manager automatically monitors and manages the power states of all plug-in modules without requiring user intervention. The system self-determines which modules are in use and which are idle, automatically powering down unused modules and maintaining power to active ones. This provides accurate energy management while eliminating the need for users to manually control each device, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of energy

If plug-in modules are physically unplugged to save power, then energy resources are conserved, but system functionality is lost and reconnection is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidsystem functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical action of physically unplugging modules with an electronic power management system. Instead of requiring users to physically disconnect modules to save power, the power manager electronically controls power delivery to modules, allowing them to remain physically connected while being powered down when not in use. This eliminates energy waste while preserving system functionality and application compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7657762B2Apparatus and methods for power management of a circuit module

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling power consumption of a plug-in card or circuit module. The disclosed method, in particular, controls power to a circuit module and includes implementing a user interface and power manager to automatically control the power state of the circuit module by, among other things, powering the module up or down using a simulated hot unplug of the device. The apparatus further includes use of an I/O interconnect to allow the system BIOS to simulate the hot unplugging of the module.