Voltage Optimizer for Portable Computing Power Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable computing devices (PCDs) face inefficiencies in power consumption due to a single subcomponent with the heaviest workload determining the voltage level for all subcomponents, leading to increased electrical current leakage and power loss in components with lighter workloads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a plurality of voltage values for subcomponents, calculate a reduced set of voltage values, and set an optimized voltage level for a shared power domain using a voltage optimizer, while also optimizing the operating frequency of each subcomponent to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the voltage level is increased to meet the demands of the subcomponent with the heaviest workload, then the performance of that subcomponent is improved, but the power consumption and electrical current leakage increase for all subcomponents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PCD into multiple voltage domains, allowing each domain to be independently controlled. Instead of applying a single system-wide voltage level, the voltage aggregator collects workload information from different subcomponents and determines appropriate voltage levels for each domain separately. This segmentation enables the subcomponent with heavy workload to receive higher voltage for improved performance while other subcomponents operate at lower voltage levels to reduce power consumption and electrical current leakage.
2Ease of operation
If a single voltage level is applied to all subcomponents, then the system is simple to control, but subcomponents with lighter workloads experience unnecessary power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control where the voltage level for each domain is adjusted based on real-time workload conditions. The voltage aggregator continuously monitors workload information from subcomponents and dynamically determines optimal voltage levels. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt voltage settings to actual needs, ensuring that subcomponents with lighter workloads receive lower voltage levels to minimize power loss while maintaining the ability to quickly respond to changing conditions.
3Loss of energy
If the voltage level is optimized for each subcomponent individually, then power consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage control functions of multiple subcomponents into a centralized voltage aggregator that coordinates voltage levels across different domains. Instead of each subcomponent having independent complex control circuitry, the voltage aggregator consolidates the intelligence needed for voltage optimization. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity while still enabling individualized voltage optimization for each domain based on its specific workload requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for optimizing a core voltage level of a portable computing device ("PCD") and enhancing frequency performance of individual subcomponents are disclosed. A plurality of voltage values is determined for a plurality of subcomponents within the PCD. Next, a reduced set of voltage values may be calculated with a voltage aggregator based on the plurality of voltage values. An optimized voltage level for a shared power domain may then be determined by a voltage optimizer within the PCD from the reduced set of voltage values. A shared power domain may then be set to the optimized voltage level. Subsequently, an operating frequency of each subcomponent may be optimized with a frequency performance enhancer based on the optimized voltage level. An optimal power collapse duration may also be calculated by the frequency performance enhancer and set for each subcomponent from the optimal frequency.