Variable power systems for computers
AssigneeLenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
InventorsAlbert V. Makley, Marc R. Pamley, William F. Martin-Otto, Daryl Cromer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Arrangements which provide a degree of flexible power allocation among multiple power rails in computer systems, in a manner to permit the sharing and exchange of power across multiple rails. The rails involved in such sharing could be of similar or dissimilar voltage. By way of an advantageous refinement, a “shopping cart” approach for system configuration is permitted, based on subsystem or component power capability.
Claims21
A method comprising:
- providing a physical computing device, the physical computing device comprising a main memory;
- providing a power supply to power the physical computing device;
- providing distribution rails to power components of the physical computing device;
- allocating current to distribution rails in accordance with a predetermined initial distribution of current, the predetermined initial distribution of current including a setpoint power demand of a component;
- ascertaining a revised power demand of the component, the revised power demand being different from the setpoint power demand;
- redistributing current from a first rail to a second rail responsive to said ascertaining of a revised power demand.
An apparatus comprising:
- a physical computing device;
- said physical computing device comprising a main memory;
- a power supply which powers said physical computing device;
- distribution rails which power components of said physical computing device;
- an allocator which allocates current to said distribution rails in accordance with a predetermined initial distribution of current, the predetermined initial distribution of current including a setpoint power demand of a component;
- and
- a control arrangement which ascertains a revised power demand of the component, the revised power demand being different from the setpoint power demand;
- said allocator acting to redistribute current from a first one of said distribution rails to a second one of said distribution rails responsive to ascertaining of a revised power demand.
A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions that when executed by the machine enable the machine to:
- provide a power supply to power a physical computing device;
- provide distribution rails to power components of the physical computing device;
- allocate current to distribution rails in accordance with a predetermined initial distribution of current, the predetermined initial distribution of current including a setpoint power demand of a component;
- ascertain a revised power demand of the component, the revised power demand being different from the setpoint power demand;
- redistribute current from a first rail to a second rail responsive to said ascertaining of a revised power demand.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.