Voltage Regulator Load Redistribution for Low-Efficiency States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often experience low efficiency power states in voltage regulators due to varying workloads and power states, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting low efficiency power states in power circuits, where a control circuit receives an indication of a low efficiency state from a power circuit and redistributes its load to another power circuit with matching voltage rails, thereby improving power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage regulators operate with varying workloads to meet component power needs, then power delivery flexibility is improved, but low efficiency power states occur leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the workload of voltage regulators and receives indications of low efficiency states. Based on this feedback, the control circuit dynamically redistributes loads between power circuits, adjusting power delivery to maintain optimal efficiency while meeting component needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power circuit assignments by redistributing loads from voltage regulators in low efficiency states to other power circuits. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to changing workload conditions while avoiding energy waste in inefficient power states.
2Power
If multiple power circuits are used to handle varying loads, then power delivery capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple power circuits. It receives status indications from voltage regulators and automatically performs load redistribution, shielding the rest of the system from the complexity of multi-circuit coordination while maintaining improved power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Voltage regulators automatically detect their own efficiency states and communicate them to the control circuit. The control circuit then autonomously performs load redistribution without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to self-manage the complexity of multiple power circuits while maintaining high power delivery capability.
3Reliability
If voltage regulators operate in low efficiency states, then short-term power delivery is maintained, but overall power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit proactively detects low efficiency states in voltage regulators and performs load redistribution before significant energy waste occurs. By taking preliminary action to reassign loads, the system maintains power delivery reliability while preventing deterioration of overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors voltage regulator efficiency states and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust load distribution. This closed-loop control ensures that power delivery continuity is maintained while systematically avoiding prolonged operation in low efficiency states, thereby preserving overall power efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed device includes power circuits that can communicate with a control circuit. In response to a power circuit communicating a low efficiency state, the control circuit can redistribute at least a portion of a load of the power circuit to one or more other power circuits. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.