Processor having real-time power conservation and thermal...

Details Processor having real-time power conservation and thermal... Processor having real-time power conservation and thermal...

2005-05-31

2005-05-31

Lee, Thomas (Department: 2115)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support

Computer power control

Power conservation

C713S320000, C713S501000, C713S601000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06901524

ABSTRACT:
A real-time power conservation and thermal management apparatus and method for portable computers employs a monitor (40) to determine whether a CPU may rest based upon a real-time sample of the CPU activity and temperature levels and to activate a hardware selector(500, 510, 520, 530) to carry out the monitor's determination. If the monitor determines the CPU may rest, the hardware selector reduces CPU clock time (280); if the CPU is to be active, the hardware selector returns the CPU to its previous high speed clock level (330). Switching back into full operation from its rest state occurs without a user having to request it and without any delay in the operation of the computer while waiting for the computer to return to a “ready” state. Furthermore, the monitor adjusts the performance level of the computer to manage power conservation and thermal management in response to the real-time sampling of CPU activity (10) and temperature (24). Such adjustments are accomplished within the CPU cycles and do not affect the user's perception of performance and do not affect any system application software executing on the computer.

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Randy Allmon et al., “System, Process, and Design Implications of a Reduced Supply Voltage Microprocessor”, IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, Feb. 1990, pp 48-49, 263.

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