Variable Calibration Cycle for Power Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power measurement accuracy schemes in information handling systems may not be sufficient to meet the power measurement accuracy requirements, especially under varying and high power delivery demands.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop calibration algorithm is implemented, where a baseboard management controller periodically adjusts the system gain setting in the voltage regulator to match the power consumption of the processor with the power provided by the power supply unit, using a variable calibration cycle time and dynamic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed calibration cycle time is used for power measurement, then the system operation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates under varying and high power delivery demands
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration cycle time is changed from a fixed value to a variable value that dynamically adjusts based on system conditions. The BMC monitors power delivery demands and modifies the calibration frequency accordingly, using shorter calibration cycles during high or varying power demands and longer cycles during stable low-power operation, thereby optimizing measurement precision while adapting to changing system states
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration cycle time parameter is modified based on power delivery conditions. The system changes this temporal parameter dynamically, adjusting it from a constant value to a variable that responds to power demand levels, enabling the calibration process to maintain high precision during critical high-power operations while reducing unnecessary calibrations during stable periods
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then the power measurement accuracy is improved, but the loss of time and system performance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration is performed periodically but with variable intervals rather than at fixed regular intervals. The BMC implements a periodic calibration schedule where the period length adjusts based on power delivery conditions, performing calibrations more frequently when power demands are high or varying, and less frequently when the system is in stable low-power state, thus optimizing the balance between accuracy and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The system adapts the calibration schedule in real-time based on monitored power conditions, increasing calibration frequency only when necessary for accuracy and reducing it during stable periods, thereby minimizing unnecessary time loss while maintaining required measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then the power measurement accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is executed periodically with variable intervals that respond to power delivery conditions. During high or varying power demands, calibrations are performed more frequently to ensure accuracy. During stable low-power operation, the interval between calibrations is extended, reducing the frequency of calibration operations and thereby decreasing the cumulative energy consumed by the calibration process
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration interval parameter is dynamically changed based on system state. By adjusting this parameter from a fixed value to a variable that responds to power conditions, the system optimizes the trade-off between maintaining measurement accuracy and minimizing energy consumption, performing calibrations only as frequently as necessary under current operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a power supply unit, a processor, and a baseboard management controller. The power supply unit includes a first energy counter configured to store first power level information associated with an amount of power supplied by the power supply unit. The processor includes a second energy counter configured to store second power level information associated with an amount of power consumed by the processor. The baseboard management controller periodically calibrates the second power level to the first power level based upon a variable calibration cycle time.