Patent US6427211B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6427211B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Real-time power conservation and thermal management for electronic devices
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
•
Filing: 2000-12-01
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Granted: 2002-07-30
•
Expires: 2020-12-01
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 La Vaughn F. Watts, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 04:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/26; G06F1/32; G06F1/3203; G06F1/3234; G06F1/324; G06F1/16; G06F1/20; G06F1/206; Y; Y02; Y02D; Y02D10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said monitor inhibits the modification of said clock signal while said processing unit is processing critical I/O, even when said temperature associated with said processing unit is above a preselected threshold temperature level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said monitor sends signals to a clock manager requesting the clock manager to demodify the clock signal being sent to the processing unit in response to said monitor detecting a critical I/O request, even when said temperature associated with said processing unit is above a preselected threshold temperature level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said monitor is within said processing unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a temperature sensor is mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB) board adjacent said processing unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frequency of temperature sensing is user modifiable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frequency of temperature sensing changes as said temperature reaches preselected threshold values.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said monitor is self-tuning.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said monitor uses a control system of continuous feedback loops.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 12
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 15
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 18
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the idle time in said processing unit.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the idle time in said processing unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 21
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the relative amount of idle time in said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the relative amount of idle time in said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 24
Independent Claim
111 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the relative amount of idle time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a predetermined level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
111 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the relative amount of idle time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a predetermined level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 27
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said monitor inhibits the modification of said clock signal while said processing unit is processing critical I/O, even when said temperature associated with said processing unit is above a preselected threshold temperature level.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said monitor sends signals to a clock manager requesting the clock manager to demodify the clock signal being sent to the processing unit in response to said monitor detecting a critical I/O request, even when said temperature associated with said processing unit is above a preselected threshold temperature level.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said monitor is within said processing unit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein a temperature sensor is mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB) board adjacent said processing unit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the frequency of temperature sensing is user modifiable.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the frequency of temperature sensing changes as said temperature reaches preselected threshold values.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said monitor is self-tuning.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein said monitor uses a control system of continuous feedback loops.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 38
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and/or temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 41
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 44
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time in said processing unit.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time in said processing unit.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 47
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 37 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 50
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 39 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 53
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 41 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 56
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 59
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 45 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 62
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the amount of idle time and optimize the activity time in said processing unit.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
72 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the amount of idle time and optimize the activity time in said processing unit.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 47 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 65
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the amount of idle time and optimize the activity time in said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
96 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the amount of idle time and optimize the activity time in said processing unit in response to one of the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 49 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 68
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the idle time and optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to minimize the idle time and optimize the activity time within said processing unit in response to one of: a) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level; b) temperature associated with said processing unit; and c) the utilization percentage of said processing unit being below a preselected level and temperature associated with said processing unit.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 71
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the utilization of and temperature associated with said processing unit, result of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having a monitor for measuring the utilization of and temperature associated with said processing unit, result of said measuring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for selectively modifying a clock signal being sent to said processing unit to optimize the utilization percentage of said processing unit.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 53 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 74
Independent Claim
59 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having means for determining a utilization percentage of and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said determining being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for means for adjusting processing speed of said processing unit in response to said determined utilization percentage and temperature to optimize said utilization percentage.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
59 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit having means for determining a utilization percentage of and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said determining being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for means for adjusting processing speed of said processing unit in response to said determined utilization percentage and temperature to optimize said utilization percentage.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 55 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 77
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit coupled to a clock; and means for monitoring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said monitoring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for means, responsive to said monitoring means, for controlling periods of time said clock is in an OFF state, the length of said periods of time said clock is in an OFF state being appropriate to allow said processing unit to operate at an optimized utilization percentage.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus comprising: a processing unit coupled to a clock; and means for monitoring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said monitoring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for means, responsive to said monitoring means, for controlling periods of time said clock is in an OFF state, the length of said periods of time said clock is in an OFF state being appropriate to allow said processing unit to operate at an optimized utilization percentage.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
Claim 80
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit coupled to a clock; a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said monitoring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for controlling periods of time said clock is in an OFF state, the length of said periods of time said clock is in an OFF state being appropriate to allow said processing unit to operate at an optimized utilization percentage.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processing unit coupled to a clock; a monitor for measuring the relative amount of idle time and activity time within and temperature associated with said processing unit, results of said monitoring being used by said processing unit for providing a signal for circuitry for controlling periods of time said clock is in an OFF state, the length of said periods of time said clock is in an OFF state being appropriate to allow said processing unit to operate at an optimized utilization percentage.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein energy consumption in said processing unit is at a maximum when the length of each period of time said clock is in an OFF state is at zero.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein energy consumption in said processing unit decreases as the length of each period of time said clock is in an OFF state increases.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said periods of time said clock is in an OFF state are constantly being adjusted to optimize said utilization percentage and control the temperature of said central processing unit.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said OFF state represents the minimum clock rate at which said processing unit can operate.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said minimum clock rate is zero for processing units capable of having their clocks stopped.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said processing unit is a central processing unit (CPU).
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