US5996084A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for real-time CPU thermal management and power conservation by adjusting CPU clock frequency in accordance with CPU activity
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1997-01-17
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Granted: 1999-11-30
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Expires: 2017-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A method and system (130) for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, such as CPU temperature, temperature change and power consumption, including the steps of and circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic CPU operating characteristic (140) while the CPU operates at a first clock rate (134). The system (130) determines that a setpoint interrupt condition exists (140), such as a temperature threshold, by virtue of the at least one sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint (140) that associates with the at least one dynamic operating characteristic. In the event that the setpoint interrupt condition exists, the circuitry and instructions control (144) the clock rate relative to the first clock rate. In the event that the setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, the circuitry and instructions repeat the above steps of determining the interrupt condition and controlling the clock rate. The method and system (130) also determine whether the CPU is in a compute-bound state (142). This operation in conjunction with a real-time power conservation apparatus and method (20) is a particularly attractive feature of the present invention.
Inventors
- 👤 Vaughn Watts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:24
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/26; G06F1/32; G06F1/3203; G06F1/3234; G06F1/324; G06F1/04; G06F1/08; G06F1/16; G06F1/20; G06F1/206; G06F11/00; G06F11/30; G06F11/3003; G06F11/3024; G06F11/3058; G06F11/34; G06F11/3409; G06F11/3419; G06F11/3423; Y; Y02; Y02D; Y02D10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a commute-bound state, further determining whether said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a commute-bound state, further determining whether said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics comprises a method for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and further, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic further comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, controlling said clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, where said step for sensing said at least one CPU dynamic operating characteristic of said CPU comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU using a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer, said memory location comprising a register.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location associated with said computer, said memory location comprising a circuit other than said CPU.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising a method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed dynamic thermal characteristics in said CPU, said real-time power conservation method operating in association with said method of controlling said sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and comprising the steps of: determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation; if said CPU is available for power conservation, determining a current clock rate for said CPU; indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU; determining whether a power conservation interrupt has occurred; if said power conservation interrupt has not occurred, repeating this step wherein said CPU remains in said power conservation mode until said power conservation interrupt has occurred; and if said power conservation interrupt has occurred, indicating to said hardware selector to restore said determined current clock rate to said CPU.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 9, wherein said step of indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU, further comprises the steps of: pulsing said hardware selector with a power conservation CPU command via a communication line to said hardware selector; selecting a power conservation clock by said hardware selector based on said power conservation CPU command; and passing pulses from said power conservation clock to said CPU to thereby place said CPU in a power conservation mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 9, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU is already in said power conservation mode; if said CPU is not already in said power conservation mode, determining whether there are power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU is in said power conservation mode; and if power conservation interrupts are available, preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method for real-time power conservation of claim 9, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU has received a request; if said CPU has received a request, determining whether said request is a critical input/output; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is a critical input/output; if said request is not a critical input/output, determining whether there are any power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU enters said power conservation mode; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode; determining whether said request is from an input/output having a delay until the I/O device become ready; and prevent said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is not from an input/output having a delay.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining whether said at least one dynamic operating characteristic will exist in said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state, and, (f) in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state, modifying said interrupt condition.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining whether said at least one dynamic operating characteristic will exist in said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state, and, (f) in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state, modifying said interrupt condition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics comprises a method for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and further, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic further comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 13, where said step for sensing said at least one CPU dynamic operating characteristic of said CPU comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU using a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer, said memory location comprising a register.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location associated with said computer, said memory location comprising a circuit other than said CPU.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising a method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed dynamic thermal characteristics in said CPU, said real-time power conservation method operating in association with said method of controlling said sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and comprising the steps of: determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation; if said CPU is available for power conservation, determining a current clock rate for said CPU; indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU; determining whether a power conservation interrupt has occurred; if said power conservation interrupt has not occurred, repeating this step wherein said CPU remains in said power conservation mode until said power conservation interrupt has occurred; and if said power conservation interrupt has occurred, indicating to said hardware selector to restore said determined current clock rate to said CPU.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 21, wherein said step of indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU, further comprises the steps of: pulsing said hardware selector with a power conservation CPU command via a communication line to said hardware selector; selecting a power conservation clock by said hardware selector based on said power conservation CPU command; and passing pulses from said power conservation clock to said CPU to thereby place said CPU in a power conservation mode.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 21, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU is already in said power conservation mode; if said CPU is not already in said power conservation mode, determining whether there are power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU is in said power conservation mode; and if power conservation interrupts are available, preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method for real-time power conservation of claim 21, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU has received a request; if said CPU has received a request, determining whether said request is a critical input/output; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is a critical input/output; if said request is not a critical input/output, determining whether there are any power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU enters said power conservation mode; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode; determining whether said request is from an input/output having a delay until the I/O device become ready; and prevent said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is not from an input/output having a delay.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; and (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; and (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics comprises a method for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and further, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic further comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25, where said step for sensing said at least one CPU dynamic operating characteristic of said CPU comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU using a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer, said memory location comprising a register.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location associated with said computer, said memory location comprising a circuit other than said CPU.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 26, further comprising a method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed dynamic thermal characteristics in said CPU, said real-time power conservation method operating in association with said method of controlling said sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and comprising the steps of: determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation; if said CPU is available for power conservation, determining a current clock rate for said CPU; indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU; determining whether a power conservation interrupt has occurred; if said power conservation interrupt has not occurred, repeating this step wherein said CPU remains in said power conservation mode until said power conservation interrupt has occurred; and if said power conservation interrupt has occurred, indicating to said hardware selector to restore said determined current clock rate to said CPU.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 33, wherein said step of indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU, further comprises the steps of: pulsing said hardware selector with a power conservation CPU command via a communication line to said hardware selector; selecting a power conservation clock by said hardware selector based on said power conservation CPU command; and passing pulses from said power conservation clock to said CPU to thereby place said CPU in a power conservation mode.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 33, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU is already in said power conservation mode; if said CPU is not already in said power conservation mode, determining whether there are power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU is in said power conservation mode; and if power conservation interrupts are available, preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method for real-time power conservation of claim 33, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU has received a request; if said CPU has received a request, determining whether said request is a critical input/output; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is a critical input/output; if said request is not a critical input/output, determining whether there are any power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU enters said power conservation mode; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode; determining whether said request is from an input/output having a delay until the I/O device become ready; and prevent said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is not from an input/output having a delay.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state; and (e) modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state; and (e) modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 37, wherein said method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics comprises a method for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and further, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 37, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic further comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 37, where said step for sensing said at least one CPU dynamic operating characteristic of said CPU comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU using a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer, said memory location comprising a register.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location associated with said computer, said memory location comprising a circuit other than said CPU.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 38, further comprising a method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed dynamic thermal characteristics in said CPU, said real-time power conservation method operating in association with said method of controlling said sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and comprising the steps of: determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation; if said CPU is available for power conservation, determining a current clock rate for said CPU; indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU; determining whether a power conservation interrupt has occurred; if said power conservation interrupt has not occurred, repeating this step wherein said CPU remains in said power conservation mode until said power conservation interrupt has occurred; and if said power conservation interrupt has occurred, indicating to said hardware selector to restore said determined current clock rate to said CPU.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 45, wherein said step of indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU, further comprises the steps of: pulsing said hardware selector with a power conservation CPU command via a communication line to said hardware selector; selecting a power conservation clock by said hardware selector based on said power conservation CPU command; and passing pulses from said power conservation clock to said CPU to thereby place said CPU in a power conservation mode.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 45, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU is already in said power conservation mode; if said CPU is not already in said power conservation mode, determining whether there are power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU is in said power conservation mode; and if power conservation interrupts are available, preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method for real-time power conservation of claim 45, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU has received a request; if said CPU has received a request, determining whether said request is a critical input/output; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is a critical input/output; if said request is not a critical input/output, determining whether there are any power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU enters said power conservation mode; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode; determining whether said request is from an input/output having a delay until the I/O device become ready; and prevent said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is not from an input/output having a delay.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state; and (f) further modify said first clock rate to avoid the existence of said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists, modifying said first clock rate; (d) in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition does not exist, determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state; (e) if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state; and (f) further modify said first clock rate to avoid the existence of said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 49, wherein said method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics comprises a method for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and further, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 49, wherein said step for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic further comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said determining step comprises the step of determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the steps of determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 49, where said step for sensing said at least one CPU dynamic operating characteristic of said CPU comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU using a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer, said memory location comprising a register.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location associated with said computer, said memory location comprising a circuit other than said CPU.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising a method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed dynamic thermal characteristics in said CPU, said real-time power conservation method operating in association with said method of controlling said sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics and comprising the steps of: determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation; if said CPU is available for power conservation, determining a current clock rate for said CPU; indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU; determining whether a power conservation interrupt has occurred; if said power conservation interrupt has not occurred, repeating this step wherein said CPU remains in said power conservation mode until said power conservation interrupt has occurred; and if said power conservation interrupt has occurred, indicating to said hardware selector to restore said determined current clock rate to said CPU.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 57, wherein said step of indicating to a hardware selector to reduce or stop the current clock rate provided to the CPU, further comprises the steps of: pulsing said hardware selector with a power conservation CPU command via a communication line to said hardware selector; selecting a power conservation clock by said hardware selector based on said power conservation CPU command; and passing pulses from said power conservation clock to said CPU to thereby place said CPU in a power conservation mode.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method for coordinated real-time power conservation and controlling sensed CPU dynamic thermal characteristics of claim 57, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU is already in said power conservation mode; if said CPU is not already in said power conservation mode, determining whether there are power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU is in said power conservation mode; and if power conservation interrupts are available, preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
150 words
The method for real-time power conservation of claim 57, wherein said step of determining whether a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is available for power conservation, further comprises the steps of: checking to see if said CPU has received a request; if said CPU has received a request, determining whether said request is a critical input/output; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is a critical input/output; if said request is not a critical input/output, determining whether there are any power conservation interrupts available to wake said CPU before said CPU enters said power conservation mode; preventing said CPU from entering said power conservation mode; determining whether said request is from an input/output having a delay until the I/O device become ready; and prevent said CPU from entering said power conservation mode if said request is not from an input/output having a delay.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
136 words
An apparatus for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, further determining whether said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
136 words
An apparatus for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, further determining whether said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising managing instructions for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics, and wherein said temperature sensing circuitry further comprises dynamic temperature sensing circuitry for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 61, wherein said sensing circuitry further comprises circuitry for sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising power conservation instructions for determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 61, where said sensing circuitry comprises a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising memory circuitry for storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state wherein said setpoint instructions further comprising instructions for determining whether said at least one dynamic operating characteristic will exist in said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state, and further comprising modifying instructions for modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state wherein said setpoint instructions further comprising instructions for determining whether said at least one dynamic operating characteristic will exist in said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state, and further comprising modifying instructions for modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising managing instructions for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics, and wherein said temperature sensing circuitry further comprises dynamic temperature sensing circuitry for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said sensing circuitry further comprises circuitry for sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising power conservation instructions for determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 67, where said sensing circuitry comprises a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising memory circuitry for storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising managing instructions for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics, and wherein said temperature sensing circuitry further comprises dynamic temperature sensing circuitry for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein said sensing circuitry further comprises circuitry for sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising power conservation instructions for determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 73, where said sensing circuitry comprises a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising memory circuitry for storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state, and, further, modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and determining the duration of said compute-bound state by determining the amount of compute-bound instructions that said CPU is to execute during said compute-bound state, and, further, modifying said interrupt condition in the event that said interrupt condition will exist during said compute-bound state.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising managing instructions for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics, and wherein said temperature sensing circuitry further comprises dynamic temperature sensing circuitry for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 79, wherein said sensing circuitry further comprises circuitry for sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising power conservation instructions for determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 79, where said sensing circuitry comprises a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising memory circuitry for storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state and further modify said first clock rate for avoiding the existence of said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for controlling sensed CPU dynamic operating characteristics, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing circuitry for sensing at least one dynamic operating characteristic of a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer, said CPU operating at a first clock rate; (b) setpoint instructions for operating on said CPU for determining that a setpoint interrupt condition exists by virtue of said at least one dynamic operating characteristic establishing a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined setpoint associated with said at least one dynamic operating characteristic; (c) control instructions for modifying said first clock rate in the event that said setpoint interrupt condition exists; and (d) compute-bound determining instructions for determining whether said CPU is in a compute-bound state and, if said CPU is in a compute-bound state, determining the duration of said compute-bound state and further modify said first clock rate for avoiding the existence of said interrupt condition during said compute-bound state.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising managing instructions for managing the CPU dynamic thermal characteristics, and wherein said temperature sensing circuitry further comprises dynamic temperature sensing circuitry for sensing said at least one dynamic operating characteristic comprises the step of sensing the operating temperature of said CPU and further, wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining the existence of an interrupt condition wherein said operating temperature establishes a predetermined relationship relative to a predetermined temperature setpoint.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said sensing circuitry further comprises circuitry for sensing the operating temperature of said CPU, and further wherein said setpoint instructions further comprise instructions for determining that said operating temperature approaches a predetermined temperature setpoint during a period in which said CPU is in a compute-bound state.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising power conservation instructions for determining whether said CPU is available for power conservation and, if said CPU is available for power conservation, modifying said first clock rate relative to a saved clock rate according to the existence of said interrupt condition and control signals arising from said power conservation.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 85, where said sensing circuitry comprises a thermistor sensing device.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising memory circuitry for storing said predetermined relationship and said predetermined setpoint in a memory location of said computer.
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