Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages power allocated through a set of bus interfaces on a computer system. During operation, the system obtains a first request for revocable current beyond a reserved current for a first bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, wherein the request is associated with a first device connected to the first bus interface. Next, the system allocates the revocable current to the first bus interface from an extra-current budget for the set of bus interfaces. Upon detecting a connection of a second device that requires non-revocable current over the extra-current budget to a second bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, the system transmits a first notification to the first device to relinquish the revocable current. Finally, the system allocates the non-revocable current to the second device from the relinquished revocable current.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages power allocated through a set of bus interfaces on a computer system. During operation, the system obtains a first request for revocable current beyond a reserved current for a first bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, wherein the request is associated with a first device connected to the first bus interface. Next, the system allocates the revocable current to the first bus interface from an extra-current budget for the set of bus interfaces. Upon detecting a connection of a second device that requires non-revocable current over the extra-current budget to a second bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, the system transmits a first notification to the first device to relinquish the revocable current. Finally, the system allocates the non-revocable current to the second device from the relinquished revocable current.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages power allocated through a set of bus interfaces on a computer system. During operation, the system obtains a first request for revocable current beyond a reserved current for a first bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, wherein the request is associated with a first device connected to the first bus interface. Next, the system allocates the revocable current to the first bus interface from an extra-current budget for the set of bus interfaces. Upon detecting a connection of a second device that requires non-revocable current over the extra-current budget to a second bus interface from the set of bus interfaces, the system transmits a first notification to the first device to relinquish the revocable current. Finally, the system allocates the non-revocable current to the second device from the relinquished revocable current.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing efficiency (e.g., reducing power consumption and bus activity) in a data bus. In an exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus for intelligently trimming (and adding or re-adding) queue heads resident in a host device associated with various client device processes are disclosed. By selectively trimming inactive or dormant queue heads, the host expends less resources and time polling the queue heads during routine operations. Similarly, queue heads which are newly active, or acquired are intelligently added to ensure proper bus operation. Inactive queue heads are brought back into the polling process only when requested, thereby keeping the list of queue heads to be polled or examined as short as possible at all times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing efficiency (e.g., reducing power consumption and bus activity) in a data bus. In an exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus for intelligently trimming (and adding or re-adding) queue heads resident in a host device associated with various client device processes are disclosed. By selectively trimming inactive or dormant queue heads, the host expends less resources and time polling the queue heads during routine operations. Similarly, queue heads which are newly active, or acquired are intelligently added to ensure proper bus operation. Inactive queue heads are brought back into the polling process only when requested, thereby keeping the list of queue heads to be polled or examined as short as possible at all times.

Abstract: A technique for dynamic addition or removal of buses to a computer system. The technique operates even though the computer system and its operating system are in use. As buses are added or removed from the operational computer system for each peripheral device added or removed, bus controller manipulators for each of the buses are registered with a system bus manager of the operating system. Thereafter, the operating system is able to communicate with the peripheral devices over the corresponding buses using the respective bus controller manipulators.

Abstract: In an electronic device powered by a battery, a method of determining a charge of the battery. Initially, a discharge curve specifying the battery's voltage as a function of time is determined. This discharge curve is calibrated according to actual measurements. Next, a battery state model is established. The battery state model is comprised of a number of discrete charge states. The probability of the actual battery's charge for a particular charge state is specified by the battery state model for each of the charge states. The battery's voltage is periodically measured. Based on the measured voltage and the discharge curve, a voltage probability distribution is computed. The battery discharge model is updated by applying Bayes theorem to the old discharge model and the voltage probability distribution. The charge of the battery based on a mean value of the battery discharge model is then displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing thermal management to a computer system where the internal temperature is measured and, based on the temperature, heat generated in the computer system is reduced by turning off a portion of the system. When the portion of the system is off, no power is consumed by that portion. Accordingly, no heat is generated as well. In this manner, the heat generated in the computer system is reduced.