Method for accelerating the speed of a CPU using a system command having an operation not associated with changing the speed of the CPU
US6802015B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system supports operation of a CPU at multiple clock speeds. Logic in the computer system predicts the performance requirements of the CPU, and selects the fastest clock speed to optimize performance. In one embodiment, a Keyboard controller receives user inputs from various user input devices, including a mouse and keyboard. The Keyboard controller identifies user inputs that reflect a system command, such as, for example, a mouse click, selection of the Alt key with another key, or any special function keys associated with a software application. If such a user input is detected, the Keyboard controller generates a system management interrupt (SMI) to the CPU. In response, the CPU calls a speed control algorithm that identifies the source of the SMI and increases the clock speed to the processor by providing a control input to a multiplexer or switch that selects the highest clock speed for the CPU.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.