Telecom Board Power Management via Utilization Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunication equipment's power consumption reduction methods, such as automatic CPU frequency reduction, are limited and dependent on CPU support, failing to effectively reduce overall power consumption, especially in scenarios with low service utilization rates and redundant components.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine and adjust the power state of boards in a telecommunications service system based on utilization thresholds, powering down boards when the utilization rate is below a startup threshold and restoring them when it exceeds a restore threshold, independent of CPU frequency reduction capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If CPU automatic frequency reduction technology is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the power consumption reduction is limited and depends on CPU support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidCPU dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service system into multiple independent boards, each capable of autonomous power management. Instead of relying on a single CPU's frequency reduction capability, the system divides power management across multiple board-level units that can be independently powered down, thereby reducing overall CPU dependency and expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic board-level power management where boards can transition between active and powered-down states based on real-time service utilization rates. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt flexibly to varying load conditions without being constrained by CPU frequency reduction limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If CPU frequency is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but overall power consumption reduction remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower consumption reduction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service system into multiple independent boards, each capable of autonomous power management. Instead of relying on a single CPU's frequency reduction capability, the system divides power management across multiple board-level units that can be independently powered down, thereby reducing overall CPU dependency and expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power management parameter from CPU frequency adjustment to board-level power state transition. By switching from adjusting a single parameter (CPU frequency) to controlling multiple parameters (board power states), the system achieves significantly greater power consumption reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If boards are powered down to reduce power consumption, then energy saving increases, but system reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy savingVSAvoidservice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors service utilization rates and dynamically adjusts board power states accordingly. When utilization exceeds a threshold, boards are activated; when it falls below, boards are powered down. This feedback loop ensures service reliability is maintained while maximizing energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple boards and maintaining a pool of standby resources. Before actually powering down boards, the system ensures adequate capacity remains available, and boards can be rapidly activated when needed, thus maintaining reliability while achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2528373B1Method, apparatus and system for reducing power consumption of service system
Publication Date: 2014.12.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2528373B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2528373B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2528373B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for reducing power consumption of a service system is disclosed in the present invention. The method includes: determining that a service utilization rate of the service system is smaller than a startup threshold for energy saving; determining, according to a preset condition, a board of the service system, where the board of the service system is required to be powered down; and triggering power-down of the board in the service system. A service system, an energy-saving system and a control system for reducing power consumption of a service system are also disclosed in the present invention. This present invention is capable of effectively reducing power consumption of the service system and achieving good energy-saving effects independent of a CPU.