Techniques for reducing fan cycling
US10571978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fan control module configured to control the speed of a fan receives a signal that indicates the power used by a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a signal that indicates the GPU temperature. Whenever the GPU power exceeds a power threshold level, but the GPU temperature is below a temperature threshold level, the control module turns the fan on and causes the fan to operate at a minimum speed. Whenever the GPU temperature is above the temperature threshold, the control module causes the fan speed to increase with increasing temperature, regardless of power. The control module turns the fan off only when both the GPU temperature is below the temperature threshold and the GPU power is below the power threshold. Although the algorithm is discussed in conjunction with a GPU, the algorithm can be implemented with any type of processor or subsystem that needs to be fan-cooled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.