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Dynamic power saving by monitoring CPU utilization

  • US 6,574,739 B1
  • Filed: 04/14/2000
  • Issued: 06/03/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer system comprising:

  • a central processing unit (CPU) for processing data or executing programs using a predetermined internal clock frequency, the CPU being able to accept a predetermined range of input voltages and the CPU being able to change its internal clock frequency;

    a power regulator electrically connected to the CPU, the power regulator selectably providing a required input voltage to the CPU;

    memory electrically connected to the CPU for storing data and programs, the memory comprising a CPU activity adjusting program being executed in the CPU;

    a CPU activity monitoring circuit electrically connected to the CPU for monitoring processing loads of the CPU, the CPU activity monitoring circuit comprising a CPU activity register for storing a load parameter that corresponds to a perceived processing load of the CPU;

    wherein the adjusting program adjusts the power regulator to change the input voltage of the CPU, or to change the internal clock frequency of the CPU, according to the load parameter stored in the CPU activity register.

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