Sub-Controller Power Gating for EnergyStar Shutdown States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses face challenges in applying EnergyStar, a method for further power saving, due to difficulties in efficiently managing power supply circuits.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus includes a power circuit unit, a first component related to external power supply, a second component not related to external power supply, a switch unit, and a sub-controller. The sub-controller uses control signals to manage the power supply to these components, allowing for different shutdown states with varying power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power supply control using EC is implemented, then basic power-down modes are achieved, but further power saving through EnergyStar cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control is segmented into two independent control paths: one for components related to external power supply (controlled via first control signal) and one for components not related to external power supply (controlled via second control signal). This segmentation enables selective power management that achieves EnergyStar-compatible power consumption levels while maintaining basic EC control functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to all components is stopped during shutdown, then maximum power saving is achieved, but components requiring external power supply cannot function
Solution Approach 1:
Different power supply states are applied to different components based on their external power supply requirements. Components related to external power supply receive power via first control signal to maintain functionality, while other components are powered down via second control signal to achieve maximum power saving. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between power saving and external power functionality.
3Device complexity
If simple shutdown control is used, then system complexity is reduced, but multiple power supply states cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The EC is enhanced with universal power control capability that can manage multiple power supply states through two control signals. The first control signal manages power for externally-powered components, while the second control signal manages power for other components. This multi-functional control approach enables sophisticated shutdown state management without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus including a plurality of components, includes: a power circuit unit capable of switching between supplying and stopping operating power to the plurality of components; a first component of the plurality of components, the first component being related to external power supply, and being supplied with operating power directly from the power circuit unit; a second component of the plurality of components, the second component being not related to the external power supply; a switch unit connected between the power circuit unit and the second component, the switch unit being capable of switching between supplying and stopping the operating power supplied from the power circuit unit to the second component; and a sub-controller that is operable with power supply to a main controller stopped, the main controller executing information processing based on an operating system (OS).