Patent ID: 7774631
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A system for minimizing power consumption in a multiprocessor device comprising: a data storage device; a host for transmitting data transfer commands to the data storage device, the data transfer commands being for reading data from and writing data to the data storage device; a first processor configured for receiving data transfer commands and transmitting the commands to the data storage device; a second processor configured for receiving data transfer commands and transmitting the commands to the data storage device, the second processor being capable of operating in different power level modes; and a controller for receiving data transfer commands from the host and transmitting the data transfer commands to the first processor for processing during a first mode of operation, in which the second processor is in a first power level mode and only the first processor is processing the data transfer commands; wherein the controller monitors data transfer requests between the host and the data storage device and, when a rate of data transfer commands increases to a first predetermined amount, the controller causes the system to operate in a second mode of operation in which the second processor is powered up to a second power level mode, which is less than full power, and the first processor and the second processor process the data transfer commands.