Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Computer power control – Power conservation
Reexamination Certificate
2006-06-13
2006-06-13
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2115)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Computer power control
Power conservation
C713S300000, C713S340000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07062665
ABSTRACT:
A system and method for automatically adjusting microprocessor activity following thermal stress of a voltage regulator is disclosed. A thermal monitoring circuit determines whether the voltage regulator has exceeded a predetermined temperature. The thermal monitoring circuit may employ a temperature-sensing component such as a thermistor to determine the temperature or may derive the temperature indirectly, based on the average input (or output) current. When the over-temperature condition occurs, a signal activates the PROCHOT#, or similar, pin on a microprocessor, throttling the microprocessor clock. Where the microprocessor includes no internal power-reducing feature, the signal throttles an external clock coupled to the microprocessor. In either case, execution of the microprocessor is slowed down. At all times, the voltage regulator maintains the ability to supply continuous current to the microprocessor.
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Dinh James S.
Inkley Benson D.
Li Peter T.
Ma Hung-Piao
Zhang Michael T.
Carrie A. Boone, P.C.
Lee Thomas
Tran Vincent
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