Surface Temperature Estimation Using Thermal Circuit Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating surface temperature in portable devices are inaccurate, leading to premature thermal throttling due to oversimplified approaches or limited temperature sensing, which fails to account for non-uniform temperature distribution across device surfaces and varying usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates surface temperature using internal and ambient temperatures as inputs to a circuit model describing thermal behaviors, allowing for accurate dynamic thermal management without the need for surface temperature sensors, by employing thermal capacitors and resistors to model heat conduction and adjust processor performance accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed offset approach is used to estimate surface temperature, then the estimation method is simple, but the accuracy is poor leading to premature thermal throttling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the estimation parameters from a fixed offset to dynamic parameters including ambient temperature, usage scenario, and power consumption level. This allows the estimation to adapt to different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy by introducing controllable variables that can be adjusted based on actual device state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed offset approach into a dynamic estimation system that continuously adapts to changing operating conditions. By incorporating real-time ambient temperature readings, usage scenario detection, and power consumption monitoring, the system dynamically adjusts the temperature estimation to maintain accuracy across varying conditions.
2Device complexity
If a temperature sensor is placed at a fixed surface location, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor cannot detect temperature changes across different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that translates internal temperature sensor data into surface temperature estimates. This model acts as a mediator between the simple fixed sensor and the need for comprehensive surface temperature monitoring, using thermal resistance and capacitance calculations to predict temperatures at various surface locations based on internal measurements and ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the thermal field through computational modeling. Instead of physically placing sensors at multiple locations, the system uses a thermal model to simulate and predict temperature distribution across the device surface, effectively copying the thermal behavior without requiring physical replication of sensing points.
3Reliability
If thermal throttling is applied early to ensure safety, then device reliability is improved, but performance is reduced due to premature throttling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the enhanced temperature estimation continuously monitors predicted surface temperatures and adjusts throttling decisions accordingly. By providing accurate real-time temperature predictions based on ambient conditions and usage scenarios, the system feedback-loops to maintain reliability while avoiding unnecessary performance reduction, throttling only when actual temperature thresholds are approached.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise thermal management, minimizing thermal headroom wastage and preventing premature throttling, ensuring the device operates within safe temperature limits while maintaining performance and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit model that describes thermal behaviors of the portable device... using the internal temperature and the ambient temperature as input to a circuit model that describes thermal behaviors of the portable device
Data Source
AI summary
The surface temperature of a portable device is estimated. The portable device includes a sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the portable device. The portable device also includes circuitry for estimating the surface temperature, using the internal temperature and an ambient temperature of the portable device as input to a circuit model. The circuit model describes thermal behaviors of the portable device. The circuitry is operative to identify a scenario in which the portable device operates, and determine the ambient temperature using the scenario and at least the internal temperature.