Throttle Rate Calculation for Battery Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power limiting in information handling systems is inefficient, as it involves unpredictable and time-consuming stair-step reductions in processor frequency to manage power consumption, shortening the duration at higher power levels and reducing computational capability.
Innovation Solution
Calculating and applying a throttle rate to operating parameters, such as processor frequency, based on the ratio of desired current to current draw, allows for immediate and efficient reduction in power consumption, enabling longer operation at elevated power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional stair-step reduction of processor frequency is used to limit power consumption, then current draw is reduced to desired levels, but transition time increases and computational capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete processor frequency steps to a continuous throttle rate parameter. By calculating a throttle rate based on the ratio of desired current to actual current draw, the system can smoothly and predictably reduce power consumption without the delays associated with stair-step frequency reductions. This parameter transformation enables precise current control while minimizing transition time and maximizing computational capability utilization.
2Loss of energy
If processor frequency is decreased in stair-step fashion to limit power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the searching process for appropriate parameters shortens the time available for computations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the throttle rate is continuously calculated based on the ratio of desired current to actual current draw. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust the throttle rate and apply it to operating parameters, enabling precise control of power consumption while minimizing the impact on computational capability. The feedback approach eliminates the need for parameter searching, as the throttle rate directly indicates the required adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates the throttle rate in advance based on the desired current level and actual current draw, before applying it to the operating parameters. This preliminary calculation allows the system to prepare the optimal throttle rate, ensuring smooth and immediate transition to the desired power consumption level without delays associated with iterative parameter searching during computation.
3Loss of energy
If conventional power limiting is used, then current draw is controlled, but the time period allowed for operation at elevated power levels is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control by calculating and applying a throttle rate that can be continuously adjusted based on actual current draw conditions. Unlike static stair-step frequency reduction, the dynamic throttle rate approach allows the system to adaptively control power consumption in real-time, enabling longer operation at elevated power levels by precisely managing the transition and maintaining optimal power levels without excessive conservatism.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating parameters for an information handling system may be calculated based on known and desired power consumption to quickly limit the power consumption to a desired level. When the operating parameters are calculated the amount of time wasted transitioning from one power level to another power level may be reduced. A controller for the information handling system may determining that a current drawn from a power supply exceeds a threshold level for longer than a threshold duration, calculate a throttle rate for the processor based on the current drawn from the power supply and a target current level, and control the processor to operate based on the throttle rate to reduce the current drawn from the power supply to the target current level.