System and method for causing reduced power consumption associated with thermal remediation

Particular embodiments described herein can offer a method that includes receiving a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode, determining that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal, and performing a first operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to providing for power savings in a processor environment.

BACKGROUND

As electronic apparatuses become more complex and ubiquitous in the everyday lives of users, more and more diverse requirements are placed upon them. For example, many electronic apparatuses can operate on battery power, thus allowing users to operate these devices in many different circumstances. In addition, as capabilities of electronic apparatuses become more extensive, many users may become reliant on the enhanced performance such capabilities provide. As these aspects of electronic apparatuses have evolved, there has become an increasing need for reducing power consumption. However, as capabilities of electronic apparatuses has increased, the amount of heat generated by electronic apparatuses has increased as well. Many electronic apparatuses contain mechanisms for thermal remediation of this generated heat. It may be desirable to control the thermal remediation in a way that reduces power consumption while still allowing for thermal remediation to occur.

The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale or proportion, as their dimensions, arrangements, and specifications can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description sets forth example embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to providing a power savings in a processor environment. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/or characteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to one embodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may be implemented with any suitable one or more of the described features.

In at least one embodiment, a method is provided and includes receiving a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode; determining that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal; and performing a first operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption. In more specific embodiments, the at least one device comprises at least one of a processor or a controller hub. Additionally, determining that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state comprises determining that a low power duty cycle of the signal exceeds a threshold duty cycle. The first operation can relate to reducing power consumption associated with at least one of: a software module associated with monitoring thermal sensor information, a thermal sensor, or a cooling device. The first operation can also relate to reducing a sampling frequency associated with a thermal sensor. The method could also include receiving thermal sensor information; and determining that the thermal sensor information indicates a temperature within a predetermined temperature threshold.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating components associated with thermal remediation of a device104according to at least one example embodiment. The example ofFIG. 2is merely an example of components associated with thermal remediation of a device, and does not limit the scope of the claims. For example, operations attributed to a component may vary, number of components may vary, composition of a component may vary, and/or the like. For example, in some example embodiments, operations attributable to one component of the example ofFIG. 1may be allocated to one or more other components.

The example ofFIG. 1illustrates controller102in communication with device104, thermal sensor106, and cooling device108. Controller102may be any type of controller, such as power management controller1118ofFIG. 10, power control1055ofFIG. 9, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, controller102is an embedded controller, a thermal system management controller (SMC), and/or the like. Device104may be any type of electronic device. In at least one example embodiment, device104is a processor, such as processor1104ofFIG. 10, a controller, such as display controller1112ofFIG. 10, a storage system, such as storage system1108ofFIG. 10, a platform controller hub (PCH), an input/output controller hub (ICH), and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, device104is a system on a chip, such as ARM ecosystem SOC1000ofFIG. 9. Thermal sensor106may be any type of sensor capable of providing thermal sensor information, such as temperature information. In at least one example embodiment, thermal sensor106is associated with device104. For example, thermal sensor106may be thermally coupled with device104such that thermal sensor106may provide thermal sensor information that indicates the temperature of device104. Cooling device108may be any cooling device that is capable of causing a reduction in temperature. In at least one example embodiment, cooling device108is associated with device104. For example, cooling device108may be coupled with device104such that cooling device108may cause temperature reduction of device104. For example, cooling device may comprise a fan, a liquid cooling element, and/or the like. Cooling device108may be thermally coupled to device104.

In at least one example embodiment, thermal sensor106and cooling device108are associated with thermal remediation. For example, controller102may monitor thermal information received from thermal sensor106to determine whether device104is at a desired temperature. Controller102may control operation of cooling device108to reduce temperature of device104, based, at least in part, on the received thermal information from thermal sensor106. For example, controller102may enable cooling device108if controller102determines that the temperature indicated by thermal sensor information is beyond a threshold value. Therefore, control, use, and/or operation of cooling device108and thermal sensor106may be referred to as thermal remediation.

Even though the example ofFIG. 1shows a single controller, a single device104, a single thermal sensor106, and a single cooling device108, there may be multiple controllers, devices, thermal sensors, and/or cooling devices. Furthermore, a controller may be in communication with one or more devices. In addition, a thermal sensor may be associated with one or more devices. Moreover, a cooling device may be associated with one or more devices.

In at least one example embodiment, controller102controls thermal sensor106and receives thermal sensor information from thermal sensor106. For example, controller102may comprise one or more software modules associated with controlling thermal sensor106and/or receiving thermal sensor information from thermal sensor106. Controller102may sample thermal sensor information from thermal sensor106at various points in time. For example, controller102may sample thermal sensor information periodically. The frequency of which controller102samples thermal sensor information from thermal sensor106may be referred to as a sampling frequency. Controller102may control the power that is used to enable operation of thermal sensor106. For example, controller102may control provision of power to thermal sensor106to enable provision of thermal sensor information at a sampling time, but control non-provision of power to thermal sensor106at a non-sampling time.

It should be understood that there may be power consumption associated with controller102sampling thermal information from thermal sensor106. For example, there may be power consumption associated with the operation of software modules, for example software modules within controller102, associated with sampling thermal sensor information from thermal sensor106. In another example, there may be power consumption associated with sampling thermal information from thermal sensor106, for example in performing signal conversion. In still another example, there may be power consumption associated with enabling the receiving of thermal information from thermal sensor106may consume power by way of providing power to the thermal sensor.

In at least one example embodiment, controller102controls cooling device108. For example, controller102may enable and/or disable cooling device108, may control amount of cooling applied by cooling device108, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, cooling device108may be controllable such that cooling device108may vary the amount of cooling performed. For example, if cooling device108comprises a fan, the fan speed may be varied to vary the amount of cooling. In another example, if cooling device108comprises a liquid cooling element, circulation of the liquid may be varied to vary the amount of cooling. It should be understood that there may be power consumption associated with operation of cooling device108. For example, there may be power consumption associated with the operation of software modules, for example software modules within controller102, associated with enabling operation of cooling device108. In another example, there may be power consumption associated with operation of cooling device108, such as power for rotating a fan, power for circulating a liquid, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, controller102operates independently from operating system software. For example, controller102may operate by way of firmware, a device driver, motherboard logic, and/or the like. In such circumstances, controller102may perform operations exclusive from the operating system software.

In an example embodiment, device104may provide a signal that indicates whether device104is in a low power mode. In at least one example embodiment, controller102receives the signal that indicates whether device104is in a low power mode. A low power mode may relate to an operating mode of device104that is characterized by a reduction in power in relation to a normal power mode. For example, low power mode may relate to a power state of device104that is associated with less than full operation. In such an example, a low power mode may relate to a power state above S0, above C0, and/or the like. In another example, a low power mode may relate to a mode where activity of device104is reduced such that power consumed by device104is reduced. In at least one example embodiment, the signal is a logic signal that is received as an electrical signal. For example, the signal may be provided from an electrical output of device104, and may be received by controller102as an electrical input. Controller102may continuously receive the signal.

It should be understood that as device104performs more activities, device104may increase its temperature. Therefore, as device104performs more operations, device104may increase the desirability for thermal remediation. Conversely, there may be an operating condition of device104that is associated with performing few enough activity such that the activity does not cause increase in temperature of device104. For example, device104may be performing operations such that the amount of heat associated with such operation is less than or equal to the amount of heat dissipated by the device absent thermal remediation. This operating condition may be referred to as a thermally benign state. In at least one example embodiment, a thermally benign state is associated with a state of a device where the device is not performing actions to an extent that may cause increase in temperature. In at least one example embodiment, a low power mode is a thermally benign state.

It may be desirable to reduce power consumption associated with thermal remediation of a device, such as device104, when the device is operating in a thermally benign state. For example, when the device is operating in a thermally benign state, the device may adequately cool without assistance of a cooling device, such as cooling device108. In another example, when the device is in a thermally benign state, there may not be a need to monitor temperature as frequently, or at all, due to the lack of temperature increasing activity. Power consumption associated with thermal remediation that omits consideration of low power mode of a device and/or omits consideration of a thermally benign state of the device may be referred to as standard thermal remediation power consumption. For example, standard thermal remediation power consumption may relate to standard cooling device operation and standard thermal sensor sampling frequency.

FIG. 2is a timing diagram illustrating a signal200that indicates whether at least one device is in a low power mode according to at least one example embodiment. The example ofFIG. 2is merely an example of a signal that indicates whether at least one device is in a low power mode, and does not limit the scope of the claims. For example, signal level associated with low power mode may vary, number of signals indicating low power mode may vary, granularity of low power mode represented by the signal may vary, and/or the like.

In at least one example embodiment, a signal may indicate low power mode by being in an asserted state. Under such circumstances, a device, such as device104ofFIG. 1, may provide a signal that is asserted to indicate that the device may be in a low power mode and that is non-asserted to indicate that the device may be in a mode other than a low power mode. Even though the example ofFIG. 2is described in regards to a signal where a high level is associated with assertion, and a low level is associated with non-assertion, other examples may differ in this regard.

In the example ofFIG. 2, signal200comprises non-asserted signal parts202,206,210,214, and218. Signal200further comprises asserted signal parts204,208,212, and216. In at least one example embodiment, asserted signal parts204,208,212, and216indicate that a device is in a low power mode, and non-asserted signal parts202,206,210,214, and218indicate that the device is in a mode that is not a low power mode. In at least one example embodiment, signal200is a continuous signal that is provided throughout the operation of the associated device. In at least one example embodiment, a controller may determine that asserted signal parts correspond to a thermally benign state of the device or devices from which signal200was received.

FIG. 3is another timing diagram illustrating a signal that indicates whether at least one device is in a low power mode according to at least one example embodiment. The example ofFIG. 3is merely an example of a signal that indicates whether at least one device is in a low power mode, and does not limit the scope of the claims. For example, signal level associated with low power mode may vary, number of signals indicating low power mode may vary, granularity of low power mode represented by the signal may vary, and/or the like. Even though the example ofFIG. 3is described in regards to a signal where a high level is associated with assertion, and a low level is associated with non-assertion, other examples may differ in this regard.

In at least one example embodiment, it may be desirable to evaluate a signal indicating low power mode with respect to time. For example, a device, such as device104ofFIG. 1, may enter and exit low power mode frequently, rapidly, and/or the like. In some circumstances, the thermal state of the device may not immediately change upon entry into a low power mode. Under such circumstances, it may be desirable to characterize the low power mode with regard to time. For example, it may be desirable to characterize the low power mode of a device as the percentage of time that a signal indicates low power mode over an interval of time. Such percentage may be referred to as a duty cycle. Without limiting the claims in any way, at least one technical advantage associated with evaluating the signal indicating low power mode with respect to time is to allow a controller to reduce the number of times that changes are made in thermal remediation based on the signal.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the operations associated with changing thermal remediation may correspond with power consumption. Therefore, it may be desirable to avoid changing thermal remediation with such frequency that power consumption is increased.

The example ofFIG. 3illustrates signal300in relation to a time interval304. In at least one example embodiment, a controller, such as controller102ofFIG. 1, may evaluate signal300with respect to time interval304. Time interval304may be based on a time associated with beneficial change in thermal remediation. For example a time associated with beneficial change in thermal remediation may relate to a time that is long enough such that modifying thermal remediation at each time interval would be associated with power consumption less than or equal to power consumption associated thermal remediation that corresponds to a mode other than a low power mode. In the example ofFIG. 3, signal300is asserted and non-asserted at various times within time interval304. In the example ofFIG. 3, signal300is asserted approximately 55% of the time during time interval304. This assertion may relate to a duty cycle of 55%. In at least one example embodiment, duration of assertion may be measured by recording the amount of time between a transition to an asserted state and a transition to a non-asserted state, for example using signal edge detection.

FIG. 4is a flow diagram showing a set of operations400for causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption according to at least one example embodiment. An apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10or a portion thereof, may utilize the set of operations400. The apparatus may comprise means, including, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, for performing the operations ofFIG. 4. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10, is transformed by having memory, for example system memory1108ofFIG. 10, comprising computer code configured to, working with a processor, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations400. In at least one example embodiment, set of operations400are performed exclusive from operating system software.

At block402, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode. The receiving may be similar as described regardingFIG. 1. The signal may be similar as described regardingFIGS. 1-3. At block404, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal. The thermally benign state may be similar as described regardingFIG. 1. Determining whether the device is in a thermally benign state may comprise evaluating the signal with respect to a predefined criteria associated with thermally benign operation of the device. For example, a device may have a particular low power mode duty cycle, above which the device is in a thermally benign state. In such an example, the apparatus may determine that the device is in a thermally benign state by determining that the low power mode duty cycle of the signal exceeds a threshold duty cycle value. Such threshold duty cycle value may correspond to the particular low power mode duty cycle, above which the device is in a thermally benign state. This threshold may differ across different devices. Such threshold may be determined by design characteristics of the device, manufacturing characteristics of the device, testing of the device, and/or the like. If, at block404, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block406. Otherwise, flow returns to block402.

At block406, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption. In at least one example embodiment, reduced power consumption relates to power consumption less than standard thermal remediation power consumption, similar as described regardingFIG. 1. The operation may relate to an operation associated with control of a device associated with thermal remediation. A device associated with thermal remediation may be a thermal sensor, such as thermal sensor106ofFIG. 1, a cooling device, such as cooling device108ofFIG. 1, and/or the like. The operation may relate to causing reduced operation associated with a software module associated with monitoring thermal sensor information. The operation may be associated with a thermal sensor. For example, the operation may relate to reducing sampling frequency associated with a thermal sensor, eliminating sampling associated with a thermal sensor, reducing power to a thermal sensor, eliminating power to a thermal sensor, and/or the like. The operation may be associated with a cooling device. For example, the operation may relate to reducing the amount of cooling performed by the cooling device, reducing power provided to the cooling device, eliminating cooling performed by the cooling device, eliminating power provided to the cooling device, and/or the like. In at least one example embodiment, the thermal remediation is associated with the device of which the signal indicated a low power mode, at block402, similar as described regardingFIG. 1. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus may perform the operation of block406in response to determination that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state.

FIG. 5is another flow diagram showing a set of operations for causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption according to at least one example embodiment. An apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10or a portion thereof, may utilize the set of operations500. The apparatus may comprise means, including, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, for performing the operations ofFIG. 5. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10, is transformed by having memory, for example system memory1108ofFIG. 10, comprising computer code configured to, working with a processor, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations500. In at least one example embodiment, set of operations500are performed exclusive from operating system software.

The example ofFIG. 5illustrates an example of performing an operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption under circumstances where the device is in a thermally benign state, and performing an operation associated with unreduced power consumption under circumstances where the device not in a thermally benign state. In at least one example embodiment, unreduced thermal remediation power consumption corresponds to standard thermal remediation power consumption. An operation associated with standard power consumption may relate to a thermal sensor and/or a cooling device. An operation associated with standard power consumption relating to a thermal sensor may be an operation that causes enabling of sampling associated with a thermal sensor, causes increasing sampling frequency associated with a thermal sensor, causes enabling powering of a thermal sensor, and/or the like. An operation associated with standard power consumption relating to a cooling device may be an operation that causes increase in the amount of cooling performed, increase in power provided to the cooling device, enabling of cooling by the cooling device, enabling power to be provided to the cooling device, and/or the like.

At block502, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode similar as described regarding block402ofFIG. 4. At block504, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. If, at block504, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block506. Otherwise, flow returns to block502. At block506, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption similar as described regarding block406ofFIG. 4.

At block508, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode similar as described regarding block502. At block510, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal similar as described regarding block504. If at block510, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state, flow returns to block508. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block512. At block512, the apparatus performs an operation associated with unreduced thermal remediation power consumption.

FIG. 6is still another flow diagram showing a set of operations600for causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption according to at least one example embodiment. An apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10or a portion thereof, may utilize the set of operations600. The apparatus may comprise means, including, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, for performing the operations ofFIG. 6. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10, is transformed by having memory, for example system memory1108ofFIG. 10, comprising computer code configured to, working with a processor, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations600. In at least one example embodiment, set of operations600are performed exclusive from operating system software.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to perform the operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption after determining whether thermal information associated with the device is within a predetermined threshold. For example, if a device is at a high temperature, it may be beneficial to continue cooling the device, even after the device enters a thermally benign state so that the device may reach a lower temperature before thermal remediation may be reduced. Without limiting the claims in any way, at least one technical advantage of basing performance of the operation further on the thermal sensor information indicating a temperature within a predefined threshold may be to allow the device to reach a lower temperature before thermal remediation may be reduced.

At block602, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode similar as described regarding block402ofFIG. 4. At block604, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. If, at block604, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block606. Otherwise, flow returns to block602. At block606, the apparatus receives thermal sensor information, similar as described regardingFIG. 1. At block608, the apparatus determines whether the thermal sensor information indicates a temperature within a predetermined temperature threshold. If, at block608, the apparatus determines that the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, flow returns to block602. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block610. Therefore, the apparatus may perform the operation of block610in response to determination that the at least one device is in a thermally benign state, and in further response to determination that the thermal sensor information indicates a temperature within a predetermined temperature threshold. At block610, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption similar as described regarding block406ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 7is yet another flow diagram showing a set of operations700for causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption according to at least one example embodiment. An apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10or a portion thereof, may utilize the set of operations700. The apparatus may comprise means, including, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, for performing the operations ofFIG. 7. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10, is transformed by having memory, for example system memory1108ofFIG. 10, comprising computer code configured to, working with a processor, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations700. In at least one example embodiment, set of operations700are performed exclusive from operating system software.

In at least one example embodiment, there may be more than one level of granularity associated with a thermally benign state. For example, there may be one thermally benign state that is associated with less heat generation than a different thermally benign state. For example, there may be multiple levels of thermally benign states, each being associated with a different level of heat generation. Under such circumstances, it may be desirable to base the operation performed in response to determination of the thermally benign state on the level of heat generation associated with the thermally benign state. For example, when a device is in a second thermally benign state associated with less heat generation than a first thermally benign state, it may be desirable to perform a second operation associated with greater reduced thermal remediation power consumption than the power consumption associated with thermal remediation associated with the first operation.

At block702, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode similar as described regarding block402ofFIG. 4. At block704, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal, similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. If, at block704, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block706. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block708. At block706, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption similar as described regarding block406ofFIG. 4. If, at block704, the apparatus determined that the at least one device is not in a first thermally benign state, at block708, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a second thermally benign state, similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. In at least one example embodiment, the second thermally benign state is associated with less heat generation than the first thermally benign state. If, at block708, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a second thermally benign state, flow proceed to block710. Otherwise, flow returns to block702. At block710, the apparatus performs a second operation associated with causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption. In at least one example embodiment, the second operation is associated with causing greater reduction of power consumption associated with thermal remediation than the reduction of power consumption associated with the first operation.

FIG. 8is still yet another flow diagram showing a set of operations800for causing reduced thermal remediation power consumption according to at least one example embodiment. An apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10or a portion thereof, may utilize the set of operations800. The apparatus may comprise means, including, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, for performing the operations ofFIG. 8. In an example embodiment, an apparatus, for example system1100ofFIG. 10, is transformed by having memory, for example system memory1108ofFIG. 10, comprising computer code configured to, working with a processor, for example processor1104ofFIG. 10, cause the apparatus to perform set of operations800. In at least one example embodiment, set of operations800are performed exclusive from operating system software.

At block802, the apparatus receives a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode similar as described regarding block402ofFIG. 4. At block804, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal, similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. If, at block804, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block806. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block808. At block806, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal sensor sampling frequency and standard cooling device operation, similar as described regardingFIGS. 1 and 4. If, at block804, the apparatus determined that the at least one device is not in a first thermally benign state, at block808, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a second thermally benign state, similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. In at least one example embodiment, the second thermally benign state is associated with less heat generation than the first thermally benign state. If, at block808, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a second thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block810. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block812. At block810, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing reduced thermal sensor sampling frequency and reduced cooling device operation.

If, at block808, the apparatus determined that the at least one device is not in a second thermally benign state, at block812, the apparatus determines whether the at least one device is in a third thermally benign state, similar as described regarding block404ofFIG. 4. In at least one example embodiment, the third thermally benign state is associated with less heat generation than the second thermally benign state. If, at block812, the apparatus determines that the at least one device is in a third thermally benign state, flow proceeds to block814. Otherwise, flow proceeds to block816. At block814, the apparatus performs an operation associated with causing termination of thermal sensor sampling and termination of cooling device operation. If, at block812, the apparatus determined that the at least one device is not in a third thermally benign state, at block816, the apparatus performs and operation associated with causing standard thermal sensor sampling and standard cooling system operation.

FIG. 9is a simplified block diagram associated with an example ARM ecosystem SOC1000of the present disclosure. At least one example implementation of the present disclosure includes an integration of the power savings features discussed herein and an ARM component. For example, the example ofFIG. 9can be associated with any ARM core (e.g., A-9, A-15, etc.). Further, the architecture can be part of any type of tablet, smartphone (inclusive of Android™ phones, i-Phones™), i-Pad™, Google Nexus™, Microsoft Surfacer™, personal computer, server, video processing components, laptop computer (inclusive of any type of notebook), any type of touch-enabled input device, etc.

In this example ofFIG. 9, ARM ecosystem SOC1000may include multiple cores1006-1007, an L2 cache control1008, a bus interface unit1009, an L2 cache1010, a graphics processing unit (GPU)1015, an interconnect1012, a video codec1020, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) I/F1025, which may be associated with mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)/high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) links that couple to an LDC.

ARM ecosystem SOC1000may also include a subscriber identity module (SIM) I/F1030, a boot read-only memory (ROM)1035, a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) controller1040, a flash controller1045, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) master1050, a suitable power control1055, a dynamic RAM (DRAM)1060, and flash1065. In addition, one or more example embodiment include one or more communication capabilities, interfaces, and features such as instances of Bluetooth1070, a 3G modem1075, a global positioning system (GPS)1080, and an 802.11 WiFi1085.

In operation, the example ofFIG. 9can offer processing capabilities, along with relatively low power consumption to enable computing of various types (e.g., mobile computing, high-end digital home, servers, wireless infrastructure, etc.). In addition, such an architecture can enable any number of software applications (e.g., Android™, Adobe® Flash® Player, Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE), JavaFX, Linux, Microsoft Windows Embedded, Symbian and Ubuntu, etc.). In at least one example embodiment, the core processor may implement an out-of-order superscalar pipeline with a coupled low-latency level-2 cache.

FIG. 10is a simplified block diagram illustrating potential electronics and logic that may be associated with any of the power saving operations discussed herein. In at least one example embodiment, system1100includes a touch controller1102, one or more processors1104, system control logic1106coupled to at least one of processor(s)1104, system memory1108coupled to system control logic1106, non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1110coupled to system control logic1106, display controller1112coupled to system control logic1106, display controller1112coupled to a display, power management controller1118coupled to system control logic1106, and/or communication interfaces1120coupled to system control logic1106.

System control logic1106, in at least one embodiment, includes any suitable interface controllers to provide for any suitable interface to at least one processor1104and/or to any suitable device or component in communication with system control logic1106. System control logic1106, in at least one example embodiment, includes one or more memory controllers to provide an interface to system memory1108. System memory1108may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for system1100. System memory1108, in at least one example embodiment, includes any suitable volatile memory, such as suitable dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for example. System control logic1106, in at least one example embodiment, includes one or more input/output (I/O) controllers to provide an interface to a display device, touch controller1102, and non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1110.

Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1110may be used to store data and/or instructions, for example within software1128. Non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s)1110may include any suitable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory for example, and/or may include any suitable non-volatile storage device(s), such as one or more hard disc drives (HDDs), one or more compact disc (CD) drives, and/or one or more digital versatile disc (DVD) drives for example.

Power management controller1118may include power management logic1130configured to control various power management and/or power saving functions disclosed herein or any part thereof. In at least one example embodiment, power management controller1118is configured to reduce the power consumption of components or devices of system1100that may either be operated at reduced power or turned off when the electronic device is in the closed configuration. For example, in at least one example embodiment, when the electronic device is in a closed configuration, power management controller1118performs one or more of the following: power down the unused portion of the display and/or any backlight associated therewith; allow one or more of processor(s)1104to go to a lower power state if less computing power is required in the closed configuration; and shutdown any devices and/or components, such as keyboard108, that are unused when an electronic device is in the closed configuration.

Communications interface(s)1120may provide an interface for system1100to communicate over one or more networks and/or with any other suitable device. Communications interface(s)1120may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware. Communications interface(s)1120, in at least one example embodiment, may include, for example, a network adapter, a wireless network adapter, a telephone modem, and/or a wireless modem.

System control logic1106, in at least one example embodiment, includes one or more input/output (I/O) controllers to provide an interface to any suitable input/output device(s) such as, for example, an audio device to help convert sound into corresponding digital signals and/or to help convert digital signals into corresponding sound, a camera, a camcorder, a printer, and/or a scanner.

For at least one example embodiment, at least one processor1104may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1106. In at least one example embodiment, at least one processor1104may be packaged together with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1106to form a System in Package (SiP). In at least one example embodiment, at least one processor1104may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1106. For at least one example embodiment, at least one processor1104may be integrated on the same die with logic for one or more controllers of system control logic1106to form a System on Chip (SoC).

For touch control, touch controller1102may include touch sensor interface circuitry1122and touch control logic1124. Touch sensor interface circuitry1122may be coupled to detect touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer of display11(i.e., display device1110). Touch sensor interface circuitry1122may include any suitable circuitry that may depend, for example, at least in part on the touch-sensitive technology used for a touch input device. Touch sensor interface circuitry1122, in one embodiment, may support any suitable multi-touch technology. Touch sensor interface circuitry1122, in at least one embodiment, includes any suitable circuitry to convert analog signals corresponding to a first touch surface layer and a second surface layer into any suitable digital touch input data. Suitable digital touch input data for one embodiment may include, for example, touch location or coordinate data.

Touch control logic1124may be coupled to help control touch sensor interface circuitry1122in any suitable manner to detect touch input over a first touch surface layer and a second touch surface layer. Touch control logic1124for at least one example embodiment may also be coupled to output in any suitable manner digital touch input data corresponding to touch input detected by touch sensor interface circuitry1122. Touch control logic1124may be implemented using any suitable logic, including any suitable hardware, firmware, and/or software logic (e.g., non-transitory tangible media), that may depend, for example, at least in part on the circuitry used for touch sensor interface circuitry1122. Touch control logic1124for one embodiment may support any suitable multi-touch technology.

Touch control logic1124may be coupled to output digital touch input data to system control logic1106and/or at least one processor1104for processing. At least one processor1104for one embodiment may execute any suitable software to process digital touch input data output from touch control logic1124. Suitable software may include, for example, any suitable driver software and/or any suitable application software. As illustrated inFIG. 11, system memory1108may store suitable software1126and/or non-volatile memory and/or storage device(s).

Note that in some example implementations, the power management functions outlined herein may be implemented in conjunction with logic that is encoded in one or more tangible, non-transitory media (e.g., embedded logic provided in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), in digital signal processor (DSP) instructions, software [potentially inclusive of object code and source code] to be executed by a processor, or other similar machine, etc.). In some of these instances, memory elements can store data used for the operations described herein. This includes the memory elements being able to store software, logic, code, or processor instructions that are executed to carry out the activities described herein. A processor can execute any type of instructions associated with the data to achieve the operations detailed herein. In one example, the processors could transform an element or an article (e.g., data) from one state or thing to another state or thing. In another example, the activities outlined herein may be implemented with fixed logic or programmable logic (e.g., software/computer instructions executed by a processor) and the elements identified herein could be some type of a programmable processor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a DSP, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) or an ASIC that includes digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof.

Note that with the examples provided above, as well as numerous other examples provided herein, interaction may be described in terms of layers, protocols, interfaces, spaces, and environments more generally. However, this has been done for purposes of clarity and example only. In certain cases, it may be easier to describe one or more of the functionalities of a given set of flows by only referencing a limited number of components. It should be appreciated that the architectures discussed herein (and its teachings) are readily scalable and can accommodate a large number of components, as well as more complicated/sophisticated arrangements and configurations. Accordingly, the examples provided should not limit the scope or inhibit the broad teachings of the present disclosure, as potentially applied to a myriad of other architectures.

It is also important to note that the blocks in the flow diagrams illustrate only some of the possible signaling scenarios and patterns that may be executed by, or within, the circuits discussed herein. Some of these blocks may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or these steps may be modified or changed considerably without departing from the scope of teachings provided herein. In addition, a number of these operations have been described as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to, one or more additional operations. However, the timing of these operations may be altered considerably. The preceding operational flows have been offered for purposes of example and discussion. Substantial flexibility is provided by the present disclosure in that any suitable arrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be provided without departing from the teachings provided herein.

It is also imperative to note that all of the Specifications, protocols, and relationships outlined herein (e.g., specific commands, timing intervals, supporting ancillary components, etc.) have only been offered for purposes of example and teaching only. Each of these data may be varied considerably without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, or the scope of the appended claims. The specifications apply to many varying and non-limiting examples and, accordingly, they should be construed as such. In the foregoing description, example embodiments have been described. Various modifications and changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The description and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Example Embodiment Implementations

At least one particular example implementation may include an apparatus that includes a means for receiving a signal (e.g., over any suitable interface, link, bus, communication pathway, etc.). The signal can indicate whether at least one device is in a low power mode. The apparatus many also include a means for determining (e.g., via a processor, software, circuitry, a hub, a controller, etc.) that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal, and a means for performing (e.g., via a processor, software, circuitry, a hub, a controller, etc.) a first operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption.