Dynamically changing the performance of devices in a computer platform
US6704877B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/3203
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device controller can have multiple device performance states (DPS), which represent different levels of performance vs. power consumption during operation. The device controller can include a DPS status register that can be read by a processor, to indicate the current DPS, and a DPS control register that can be written by the processor, to change the current DPS to a desired DPS. The controller may also have a processor performance state (PPS) status register which can be used to affect the desired choice of DPS based on the performance state of the processor. Each of the registers can be accessed by the device driver for that device controller. The DPS of multiple devices can be coordinated to achieve an improved system-level reduction in power consumption, while maintaining sufficient operational capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.