Dynamic Power Limiting via Skin Temperature for Burst Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management techniques for handheld devices are conservative and artificially limit performance by setting a static power limit based on worst-case skin temperature conditions, which do not often reflect actual operating conditions, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Skin Temperature Aware Power Management (STAPM) that dynamically controls power limits based on user-perceived skin temperature, allowing for boosting of components when thermal margin exists, using voltage and frequency scaling, and adjusting power limits for individual components to maximize thermal headroom and improve responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a static power limit is set based on worst-case skin temperature conditions, then user comfort is maintained, but device performance is artificially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static power limit to a dynamic power limit that adjusts in real-time based on actual skin temperature measurements. The power management controller continuously monitors skin temperature and modifies the power limit accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing thermal conditions rather than being constrained by a fixed worst-case scenario value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the power limit parameter based on measured skin temperature. When skin temperature is below the threshold, the power limit is increased to allow higher performance; when skin temperature approaches the threshold, the power limit is reduced to maintain comfort. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between comfort and performance.
2Temperature
If a static power limit is used to prevent excessive skin temperature, then thermal comfort is ensured, but thermal headroom is wasted during light workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power limit parameter dynamically based on actual skin temperature measurements rather than using a fixed conservative value. During light workloads or when skin temperature is low, the power limit is increased to utilize available thermal headroom. When skin temperature rises, the power limit is adjusted downward to maintain comfort, thus optimizing energy utilization while maintaining thermal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the power limit based on its own thermal state. The power management controller monitors the device's skin temperature and autonomously modifies power allocation without external intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize performance within thermal constraints.
3Productivity
If the power limit is set at TDP for maximum performance, then processing capability is maximized, but skin temperature may exceed user comfort thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the power limit parameter between TDP and lower values based on real-time skin temperature measurements. When skin temperature is acceptable, the power limit is set at TDP to maximize processing capability. When skin temperature approaches the comfort threshold, the power limit is reduced to prevent excessive heating, thus balancing performance and comfort based on actual conditions rather than assuming worst-case scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes controlling a power limit of a computing system (102) based on a determined skin temperature of at least one location on an outer surface (145) of a device (100) housing the computing system. A processor (105) includes a processing unit (110, 115) and a power management controller (125) to control a power limit of the processing unit based on a determined skin temperature of at least one location on an outer surface (145) of a device (100) housing the processor.