Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Computer power control
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-27
2003-02-18
Myers, Paul R. (Department: 2181)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Computer power control
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523123
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to processor-based systems, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for providing intelligent power management in processor-based systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Power management is implemented in processor-based systems to conserve power or to reduce the power consumption of the system. Power management is typically implemented by powering down one or more circuits in the system upon detection of a period of non-use or inactivity. The period of non-use or inactivity, typically termed the “time-out” period, is generally fixed. The user typically has to enter a setup mode for a particular application and select or enter a time-out value for the application. Selection of the time-out value is also based on the user's perception of system performance versus battery life expectancy, and thus may not be optimized.
Accordingly, there is a need in the technology for an apparatus and method for providing power management for a number of applications in a processor-based system, which facilitates conservation of power in the system, while optimizing system performance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus and method for providing power management apparatus for a circuit in a processor-based system. The apparatus comprises a memory to store instruction sequences by which the processor-based system is processed and a processor coupled to the memory. The stored instruction sequences cause the processor to: (a) determine a system access time of the circuit; (b) determine if the system access time is less than a first predetermined value, if so, increasing an accessibility period of the circuit, during which the circuit is active. Various embodiments are described.
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Myers Paul R.
Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
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