Methods and apparatus to control processor performance to regulate heat generation
OwnerDon J. Nguyeninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling processor performance to regulate heat generation are disclosed. For example, a power monitor is provided for use in a computer having a processor. The example power monitor includes a current sense resistor associated with a power input of the processor and an amplifier in communication with the current sense resistor to develop a signal representative of power dissipated by the processor. The power monitor also includes a comparison circuit to compare the signal output by the amplifier with a predetermined threshold.
Claims25
A method of operating a computer comprising:
- determining a power consumption of a processor;
- comparing the determined power consumption to a theoretical power level that a thermal solution associated with the processor can dissipate;
- and
- if the determined power consumption exceeds the theoretical power level, reducing the power consumption of the processor.
For use in a computer having a processor, a power monitor comprising:
- a current sense resistor associated with a power input of the processor;
- an amplifier coupled to the current sense resistor to develop a signal representative of power dissipated by the processor;
- and
- a comparison circuit to compare the signal output by the amplifier with a theoretical power level that a thermal solution associated with the processor can dissipate.
A method of operating a computer comprising:
- detecting power drawn by a processor;
- comparing the power to a theoretical power level that a thermal solution associated with the processor can dissipate;
- and
- if the power exceeds the theoretical power level, reducing at least one of an operating frequency and operating voltage of the processor.
A method of increasing a maximum operating frequency of a processor comprising:
- monitoring power consumption by the processor;
- and
- adjusting at least one of an operating frequency and an operating voltage of the processor based on a comparison between the power consumption of the processor and a theoretical thermal design power associated with the processor.
A portable computer comprising:
- a voltage regulator;
- and
- a processor to control the power drawn by the processor from the voltage regulator based on a comparison of the power drawn by the processor and a thermal design power.
For use with a portable computer including a processor and a thermal solution, a computer program stored on a tangible medium comprising:
- first software to monitor power consumption of the processor;
- and
- second software to decrease a performance level of the processor if the power consumption of the processor exceeds a power level that the thermal solution can handle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.