Abstract: There is provided a system and methods for segmenting datapath resources such as reorder buffers, physical registers, instruction queues and load-store queues, etc. in a microprocessor so that their size may be dynamically expanded and contracted. This is accomplished by allocating and deallocating individual resource units to each resource based on sampled estimates of the instantaneous resource needs of the program running on the microprocessor. By keeping unused datapath resources to a minimum, power and energy savings are achieved by shutting off resource units that are not needed for sustaining the performance requirements of the running program. Leakage energy and switching energy and power are reduced using the described methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a NAND-type non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as NAND flash memory, to store NV pre-boot information for a bootloader (e.g., a second state bootloader) or an operating system. The NV pre-boot information can include, for example, environment variables storing the configuration or state of an electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device including the NAND-type NVM may allocate a portion of the super blocks in the NAND-type NVM to storing the NV pre-boot information. The electronic device may store a redundant copy of the NV pre-boot information into the allocated portion of each IC die of the NAND-type NVM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a physical processor. The processor is connected to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a rechargeable battery, a connector, and operation unit. The processor is configured to: determine whether an external device is a predetermined power supply apparatus; control communication with the external device so that the rechargeable battery is charged by a first current from the external device when the external device is the predetermined power supply apparatus; and control communication with the external device so that the rechargeable battery is charged by a second current from the external device when the external device is not the predetermined power supply apparatus. The second current is greater than the first current. The processor is further configured to control to playback content data stored in the electronic device based on a command from the operation unit by using power of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of installing a plurality of storage units includes a first supply unit configured to supply electric power to the plurality of storage units, a second supply unit configured to supply electric power to the plurality of storage units, when the first supply unit stops supplying electric power to the plurality of storage units, a charging unit configured to charge the second supply unit, a measurement unit configured to measure a time during which the second supply unit supplies electric power to the plurality of storage units, a detection unit configured to detect a number of the storage units installed on the information processing apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine a time during which the second supply unit should be charged, based on the time which has been measured by the measurement unit and the number of units which has been detected by the detection unit, and a control unit configured to perform control that the charging unit charges the s

Abstract: A method of determining a timing relationship between modules on a chip, each module being timed by an initiator. The timing relationship being determined on the basis of the power consumptions over time of the initiators and may be determined on the basis of e.g. a sum of the power consumptions or more complex calculations also incorporating the signal path or power delivery network, whereby a voltage drop or current drawn at a position in the chip may be determined. In addition, a parameter, which may be the sum or voltage drop, current or e.g. an energy content within a frequency range, may be determined. This parameter may be varied by e.g. providing different timing relations of initiators, in order to minimize the parameter or adapt it to a requirement as a maximum peak value, maximum difference between max and min peaks, a flatness criteria or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in a System on Chip (SoC) are provided. The SoC includes a clock unit for providing clocks to all elements included in the SoC, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for controlling the SoC to perform designated functions, a main regulator for supplying power provided from an external battery to remaining elements included in the SoC other than a PMU, and a restoration processor for storing, in the PMU, registration information on the CPU and all peripherals included in the SoC when a transition from an active state to a sleep state is made.

Abstract: Adaptive voltage scalers (AVSs), systems, and related methods are disclosed. The AVSs are configured to adaptively adjust voltage levels powering a functional circuit(s) based on target operating frequencies and delay variation conditions to avoid or reduce voltage margin. In one embodiment, the AVS includes a database. The database can be configured to store voltage levels for various operating frequencies of a functional circuit(s) to avoid or reduce voltage margin. The database allows rapid voltage level decisions. In one embodiment, a voltage offset is added to a voltage level retrieved from the database corresponding to a target operating frequency of the functional circuit(s). In another embodiment, a voltage level is retrieved from the database corresponding to a target operating frequency for and a temperature level of the functional circuit(s). The AVS may partially or fully controllable by a software-based module that consults the database to make voltage level decisions.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a security device having two communication interfaces sharing at least one pin, each interface being capable of operating according to either of two predetermined communication protocols. The security device may further include a frequency detector to detect the frequency of a clock signal on the shared pin. Depending on the value of the detected frequency, and to which of a plurality of predetermined frequency ranges the detected frequency pertains, the security device may function according to one of the two predetermined communication protocols, operating at two different frequencies.

Abstract: A power supply system for an information handling system is disclosed. The power supply system includes power supply units electrically coupled via an output line. The power supply units are configured to supply an output voltage to the output line. Each power supply unit receives a feedback signal indicative of a voltage of the output line and a programmed voltage signal indicative of a supply voltage required for the output line. A standby power supply unit is configured to transition between a standby mode and an active mode based, at least in part, on the feedback signal and the programmed voltage signal. Power supply units are configured to transition to a load sharing mode where the power supply units cooperatively supply an output voltage to the output line. The transitioning is based, at least in part, on the feedback signal and the programmed voltage signal.

Abstract: A request from an installer of a software application to configure the computer system for installation of the software application is received at a configuration client. Upon receiving the request, a message is sent to a local agent of the computer system to request a configuration for the installation of the software application. The message includes an identifier of the software application used by a configuration management server to identify the configuration corresponding to the software application. A configuration element is received from the local agent in response to the message. The configuration element includes a variable for holding a value that represents a characteristic of the computer system. The value of the variable is configured as a function of the computer system. The configuration element, including the configured variable value, is provided to the installer of the software application and is used for the installation of the software application.

Abstract: In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a system-on-chip (SoC) management module to monitor and dynamically control processor core operating voltages. An SoC is provided with a plurality of processor cores, a plurality of voltage regulators, an internal management module, and at least one temperature sensor. The management module compares monitored temperatures to threshold values, and in response generates voltage commands. The management module sends the voltage commands to the voltage regulators. Each voltage regulator adjusts the operating voltage supplied to a corresponding processor core in response to the voltage commands.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a storage unit and operates in a first power mode in which power that the storage unit can operate is supplied to the storage unit or in a second power mode in which power that the storage unit can operate is not supplied to the storage unit. The data processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input data, a storing unit configured to store the data in the storage unit, a setting unit configured to set waiting time for making the data processing apparatus wait to shift from the first power mode to the second power mode according to a storage destination if the data is stored in the storage unit, and a control unit configured to shift the data processing apparatus from the first power mode to the second power mode when the waiting time elapses after the data is stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a first volatile semiconductor memory (VSM), and a second VSM. When the disk drive is powered on, control circuitry first reads VSM initialization code from the disk, first initializes the first VSM using the VSM initialization code, stores the VSM initialization code in the second VSM, and then enters a power save mode. When exiting the power save mode, the control circuitry second initializes the first VSM using the VSM initialization code stored in the second VSM.

Abstract: In accordance with a non-limiting example, an optical communications system includes a plurality of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), each having a reverse power supply circuit and each connected to a wire pair and configured to transmit and receive data and provide reverse power over the wire pair. An Optical Network Unit (ONU) includes a plurality of communication boards. A respective communication port is connected to a selected wire pair and its associated CPE through which data is transmitted and received and power received therefrom. A power management circuit is connected to each of the communication ports and configured to receive power and provide power sharing and manage power consumption and power supply redundancy from the plurality of CPE through the communication ports.

Abstract: BIOS field mapping includes generating basic input/output system (BIOS) information by defining property identifications using a visual form code language and determining that a proprietary set-up service is accessible. The BIOS field mapping then includes converting the visual form code language to a binary format and storing the property identifications in binary format on a setup database as data hidden from an operating system. A BIOS driver may then request the property identifications causing a transfer of the property identifications to the BIOS driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for limiting power consumption of a non-volatile memory (NVM) using a power limiting scheme that distributes a number of concurrent NVM operations over time. This provides a “current consumption cap” that fixes an upper limit of current consumption for the NVM, thereby eliminating peak power events. In one embodiment, power consumption of a NVM can be limited by receiving data suitable for use as a factor in adjusting a current threshold from at least one of a plurality of system sources. The current threshold can be less than a peak current capable of being consumed by the NVM and can be adjusted based on the received data. A power limiting scheme can be used that limits the number of concurrent NVM operations performed so that a cumulative current consumption of the NVM does not exceed the adjusted current threshold.

Abstract: A computer comprises a power supply that provides operating power for the computer and a connector on the computer through which an external device can be coupled to the computer. The power supply powers an auxiliary power rail even when the computer is otherwise off. The auxiliary power rail is provided to the connector to thereby provide power to the external device even when the computer is off.

Abstract: A bootstrap system for dual central processing units includes a south bridge, a first central processing unit, a second central processing unit and a switch control module. The south bridge provides enable signals and reset signals, the first central processing unit provides an identification signal and an operation signal. The second central processing unit receives the enable signals and reset signals. The switch control module receives the identification signal and the operation signal from the first central processing unit to generate a corresponding switch command signal. The south bridge is selectably and electrically connected to the first central processing unit or the second central processing unit under the control of switch command signal.

Abstract: A cable for providing electric power from a power source to a mobile device, the cable having a first connector at a first end of the cable for connecting the cable to a mobile device and with a second connector at a second end for connecting the cable to the power source, wherein the cable comprises a memory module for backup and bidirectional transfer of data to and from the mobile device.