Microprocessor performance mode control utilizing sensed temperature as an indication of microprocessor utilization
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling microprocessor performance modes, comprising:
- providing at least two performance modes for a microprocessor with a first performance mode being higher than a second performance mode;
sensing an edge temperature related to an edge temperature of the microprocessor as an indication of microprocessor utilization;
sensing a core temperature related to a core temperature for the microprocessor as an indication of an over-heating condition;
selecting the first performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature rises above a first threshold level, the first threshold level being a non-danger threshold level;
selecting the second performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature falls below a second threshold level, the second threshold level being a non-danger threshold level; and
placing the microprocessor in a low power protection mode if the sensed core temperature rises above a danger threshold level, wherein the danger threshold level is different from the first and second threshold levels.
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Abstract
Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling microprocessor (CPU) performance modes utilizing sensed temperatures as an indication of CPU utilization. By recognizing that temperature can be used as an indication of CPU utilization, higher performance modes can be entered as temperature increases, and lower performance modes can be entered as temperature decreases.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling microprocessor performance modes, comprising:
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providing at least two performance modes for a microprocessor with a first performance mode being higher than a second performance mode; sensing an edge temperature related to an edge temperature of the microprocessor as an indication of microprocessor utilization; sensing a core temperature related to a core temperature for the microprocessor as an indication of an over-heating condition; selecting the first performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature rises above a first threshold level, the first threshold level being a non-danger threshold level; selecting the second performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature falls below a second threshold level, the second threshold level being a non-danger threshold level; and placing the microprocessor in a low power protection mode if the sensed core temperature rises above a danger threshold level, wherein the danger threshold level is different from the first and second threshold levels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An information handling system having microprocessor performance mode control, comprising:
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a microprocessor having at least two performance modes with a first performance mode being higher than a second performance mode; an edge temperature sensor configured to sense edge temperatures related to the microprocessor as an indication of microprocessor utilization; a core temperature sensor configured to measure core temperatures related to the microprocessor as an indication of an over-heating condition; control circuitry coupled to receive a signal from the edge temperature sensor and to control the microprocessor performance mode, the control circuitry being configured to select the first performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature rises above a first threshold level and to select the second performance mode for the microprocessor if the sensed edge temperature falls below a second threshold level, the first and second threshold levels being non-danger threshold levels; and protection control circuitry coupled to receive a signal from the core temperature sensor and to control the microprocessor to enter a low power protection mode if the core temperature exceeds a danger threshold level, wherein the danger threshold level is different from the first and second threshold levels. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification