JP2001344047A - Electronic equipment and power supply control method for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment in which a plurality of arbitrary AC adapters whose power feeding capabilities are different can be used by providing adapters with a function for controlling power consumption for a system operation according to the power supply capabilities of a plug-in connected AC adapter and to provide a method for controlling the power supply of the electronic equipment. SOLUTION: An embedded controller(EC) 23 performs control for making power consumption for a system operation suitable for the power supply capabilities of a plug-in connected AC adapter(AC-ADP) 31 cooperatively with the BIOS control of a CPU 11 on the basis of information (STB) indicating the power supply capabilities (specific power) of the AC adapter(AC-ADP) 31 read from a power source controller(PSC) 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic device operable by an AC adapter power supply and a power-on control method for the electronic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic device, such as a personal computer, which can be operated by an AC adapter power supply, a technique for preventing a mismatch between the power consumption of the device and the power supply capability of the AC adapter is as follows. ). Technology for specifying usable AC adapters as a plug connection structure in which only a dedicated AC adapter can be used for each device or model (2). When using an AC adapter, connect a test load to the power supply supplied from the AC adapter and check whether the supply capacity of the AC adapter is sufficient. There is a technology (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-22450) for suppressing power consumption of a device to be equal to or less than the supply capability of an AC adapter by disconnecting the device.

[0003] Among these conventional techniques, the technique (1) has a problem in matching the power consumption of the equipment with the power supply capability of the AC adapter because only the AC adapter specific to the equipment or model can be used. Although the possibility of occurrence is low, a unique AC adapter must be prepared for each device or each model, which complicates device management and makes it difficult to use the AC adapter effectively. is there.

In the technique (2), it is necessary to provide a test load generating a large amount of heat and a switch for switching a large current capacity in the main body of the apparatus, so that the configuration inside the main body of the apparatus becomes complicated. However, since each of these circuit components is large and heavy, the device configuration becomes large and heavy, and there is a problem that it greatly hinders miniaturization of the device.

[0005]

As described above, conventionally, as means for preventing inconsistency between the power consumption of an electronic device operable by the power supply of an AC adapter and the power supply capability of the AC adapter, a device for each device is used. Or, when the configuration is such that only a dedicated AC adapter can be used for each model,
Since a unique AC adapter must be separately prepared for each device or each model, there is a problem in terms of convenience and economy that the device management becomes complicated and the AC adapter cannot be used effectively. When the configuration is such that the supply capacity of the AC adapter is examined using a test load when the device is used, the configuration inside the device main body becomes complicated, and the device configuration becomes large and heavy, which is a significant factor in reducing the size of the device. There is a problem that hinders.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and an electronic device power-on control method in which an arbitrary AC adapter can be used for a plurality of types of AC adapters having different power supply capabilities.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of operating in accordance with the power supply capability of an AC adapter to be used and a power-on control method for the electronic device.

Further, the present invention realizes an economically advantageous device configuration by using a common connection interface of an AC adapter for a plurality of types of devices having different power consumptions, and realizes a plurality of devices having different power consumptions. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and a power-on control method for the electronic device in which a plurality of types of AC adapters having different power supply capacities can be used in common.

Further, the present invention ensures that, even when the power consumption of the entire system exceeds the power supply capability of the AC adapter due to, for example, system upgrade or the like, inconveniences such as abnormal system operation and abnormal power supply, which occur at that time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and a power-on control method for the electronic device that can always maintain a stable system operation by avoiding the problem.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus operable by a power supply supplied from an AC adapter, and recognizes the power supply capability of an AC adapter which is a supply source of operation power, and recognizes the recognized power supply. It is characterized by comprising control means for variably controlling the power consumption of a specific component in the device according to the capability and controlling the power consumption of the entire device within the power supply capability of the AC adapter.

The present invention also relates to an electronic device operable by a power supply supplied from an AC adapter, wherein an internal component capable of variably controlling power consumption during operation within a predetermined range, and a power supply capability of the AC adapter. Input means for inputting the information shown, and control means for controlling the power consumption of the internal components so that the power consumption of the device falls within the power supply capability of the AC adapter indicated by the input information of the input means. It is characterized by becoming.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device operable by a power supply supplied from an AC adapter, wherein an internal component capable of variably controlling power consumption during operation within a predetermined range, and a power supply capability of the AC adapter. Input means for inputting the information shown, and determining means for determining whether the power consumption of the device including the internal component exceeds the power supply capability of the AC adapter indicated by the input information of the input means,
When the determination unit determines that the power consumption of the device exceeds the power supply capability of the AC adapter, the power consumption of the internal component is reduced so that the power consumption of the device falls within the power supply capability of the AC adapter. And a control means for suppressing.

The present invention also relates to a power-on control method for an electronic device operable by an AC adapter power supply, wherein when the AC adapter is started up, the power supply capability of the used AC adapter is set by the AC adapter or setting means. AC that uses the power consumption of the device by inputting the information shown and controlling the power consumption of a specific internal component based on the information.
The feature is to keep it within the power supply capacity of the adapter.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a portable computer operable with a power supplied from an AC adapter is shown as an example.

On the system board of the portable computer body 10, a processor bus 101, an internal PC
An I bus 102, an internal ISA bus 103, and an I ² C bus 104 are provided.

A docking station 25 provided as an expansion unit for expanding functions is connected to a docking connector 25 provided on the computer main body 10 as needed by a user. Power supply controller (PSC)
24, an AC adapter (AC-ADP) is plugged in as necessary, and the AC adapter (AC-AD
The DC power (hereinafter referred to as an AC adapter power) supplied from the P) 31 is used for charging a built-in battery (not shown) and for operating the computer body 10. In this embodiment, in order to use a plurality of types of AC adapters having different power supply capacities, a plug-in terminal of the AC adapter is
In addition to an input terminal for a direct current (DC) power supply, an input terminal for inputting information indicating a power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter from a plug-connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is provided. A specific input interface for the information indicating the power supply capability of the AC adapter will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In the computer main body 10, a CPU 1 is provided.
1. Host-PCI bridge device 12, system memory 13, display controller 14, DSP interface gate array (DSP I / F GA) 15, internal PCI
ISA bridge device 16, card controller 17,
PCI-DS (DS: docking station) bridge device 18, BIOS memory (ROM) 19, hard disk drive (HDD) 20, keyboard controller (KBC) 21, real-time clock (RTC) 2
2, an embedded controller (EC) 23, a power supply controller (PSC) 24, and the like.

In each component of the computer main body, the CPU 11 controls execution of various application programs including an OS and utilities stored in the system memory 13. Further, the CPU 11 performs a later-described flag (power consumption) stored in the data register (DR) of the embedded controller (EC) 23 in the BIOS processing at the time of system startup using the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31. (Reduced state flag)
And the information indicating the power supply capacity of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 are read, and when the flag is set,
The power consumption of the computer main body 10 is adjusted to the power supply capability of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 with reference to the power consumption management table (TBL) stored in the system memory 13 based on the information indicating the power supply capability. Execute processing to increase power consumption. Here the connected AC
According to the power supply capacity of the adapter (AC-ADP) 31,
The power saving control is performed on the operation of each component to be subjected to power consumption control registered in the power consumption management table (TBL). In this embodiment, the CPU 11 is included in the control target component of the power consumption control. A series of processing at this time and a specific power consumption control processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The host / PCI bridge device 12 is a bridge LSI connecting the processor bus 101 and the internal PCI bus 102, and functions as one of the bus masters of the internal PCI bus 102.

The system memory 13 is a memory device for storing an OS, a device driver, an application program to be executed, processing data, and the like. The system memory 13 includes a plurality of DRAM modules and has a dedicated data bus having a predetermined width. Is connected to the host-PCI bridge device 12 via the memory bus.

The power consumption of the computer main unit 10 is stored in the system memory 13 when the computer main unit 10 uses the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31.
A power consumption management table (TBL) for each component to be subjected to power consumption control to match the power supply capacity of the adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is stored. A specific configuration example of the power consumption management table (TBL) will be described later with reference to FIG.

The display controller 14 has a host / PCI
Like the bridge device 12, it is one of the bus masters of the PCI bus 102, and displays the image data of the video memory (VRAM) 143 on a display device such as the LCD 141 or the CRT display 142. These display devices may be integral with the main body or may be separate. In the computer system of this embodiment, an LCD 141 is provided as standard. In this embodiment, the LCD 141 is a control target component of the power consumption control when the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is used together with the CPU 11. This specific power saving operation example (display luminance control of the LCD 141) will be described later with reference to FIG.

DSP interface gate array 15
Is one of PCI devices, and includes a DSP 151, a modem CODEC 152, and a sound CODEC 153.
And a DSP system for performing various sound processing and telephone / data communication processing in cooperation with the system.

DSP interface gate array 15
Under the control of a dedicated device driver program that is read into the system memory 13 and executed.
51, modem CODEC 152, and sound COD
It communicates with the EC 153 to control sound processing and communication processing using the digital signal processing function of the DSP 151.

The internal PCI-ISA bridge device 16
A bridge LSI that connects the internal PCI bus 102 and the internal ISA bus 103, and functions as one of the PCI devices. The internal PCI-ISA bridge device 16 includes a PCI bus arbiter, a DMA controller, and the like. The internal ISA bus 103 has a BIOS
Memory 19, HDD 20, keyboard controller 2
1, RTC 22, I / O control gate array 23
Are connected.

The card controller 17 is one of the PCI devices and controls a PC card of PCMCIA or card bus specification. PCI-DS bridge device 18
Controls the connection and disconnection of the bus to and from the docking station.

The BIOS memory 19 is a memory for storing a BIOS executed by the CPU 11, and is constituted by a flash memory so that a program can be rewritten. In this embodiment, an AC adapter (AC-A
At the time of system startup using the DP) 31, the data register (D) of the embedded controller (EC) 23 is used.
R) and information on a flag (power consumption reduction state flag) described later and the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
1 is read, and when the flag is set, the computer main unit 10 refers to the power consumption management table (TBL) stored in the system memory 13 based on the information indicating the power supply capability. Of the power consumption of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is increased to the power consumption according to the power supply capacity of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31. Here, according to the power supply capability of the connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31, the operation of each component to be subjected to power consumption control registered in the power consumption management table (TBL) is subjected to power saving control. Specific examples of this power consumption control are shown in FIGS.
It will be described later with reference to FIG.

The real-time clock (RTC) 22 is
The watch module has its own operating battery, and has a memory that is always supplied with power from the battery. This memory is used, for example, for storing environment setting information indicating a system operating environment.

The embedded controller (EC) 23
Is a bridge LSI that connects the internal ISA bus 103 and the I ² C bus 104, and has a plurality of register groups that can be read / written by the CPU 11. By using these register groups, communication between the CPU 11 and the power supply controller (PSC) 24 on the I ² C bus 104 becomes possible.

The embedded controller (EC) 23
Executes a power consumption control process as shown in FIG. 6 when the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is used. That is, the embedded controller (EC) 23 uses the internal status register 241 of the power supply controller (PSC) 24 to attach and detach the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 when using (connecting) the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31. The status information (STA) indicating the state and the status information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 are read and set in a partial data register (DR) of the built-in register group. Then, it has a processing function of executing a power consumption control process as shown in FIG. This specific power consumption control processing operation will be described later.

A power supply controller (PSC) 24 always controls the power supply of the entire system by a dedicated microprocessor. The power supply controller (PSC) 24 monitors the power supply of the entire system, controls charging and discharging of an internal battery (not shown), and controls power supply (not shown). The computer main unit 10 is turned on / off in response to turning on / off of a switch (power switch). Further, the power supply controller (PSC) 24
The connection status of the C adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is monitored,
When the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is plug-in connected, the connected AC adapter (AC-AD
P) 31, information indicating the power supply capacity (rated output) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is read, and status information (STA) indicating the attachment / detachment state of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is read.
ADP) status information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the ADP 31 and the internal status register 2
41.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show examples of the circuit configuration of an AC adapter connection interface applicable to the present invention. In addition to the input terminals (+) and (-) of a direct current (DC) power supply, a plug connection is shown. AC adapter (AC-ADP)
From 31, an input terminal for inputting information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter is provided.
Either of these connection interfaces applies to embodiments of the present invention.

The AC adapter connection interface shown in FIG. 2 transmits information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 to two signal lines 32.
3 as a 2-bit parallel signal via the AC adapter (A
C-ADP) 31. When four types of AC adapters (AC-ADP) 31 having different rated powers, such as 20 W, 30 W, 45 W, and 60 W, can be connected, 2 signal lines 323
0W = “L, L”, 30W = “L, H”, 45W =
By indicating “H, L” and 60W = “H, H”, the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31
Power supply capacity (rated power) can be recognized. Note that “L” is L
An ow level signal and “H” are High level signals, which are set on the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 side. In this example, the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
The information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) described above is set by the switches (321, 322) provided in the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31.
This is realized by internal fixed wiring.

The AC adapter connection interface shown in FIG. 3 has an E ² PROM in which information (STB) indicating its own rated power is stored in an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31, and communicates with a power supply controller (PSC) 24. This is an example of a configuration in which the rated power is notified by using.

The AC adapter connection interface shown in FIG. 4 uses a power supply controller (PSC) as an analog signal.
24, a signal of a voltage level corresponding to its own rated power is output to an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 and A / D converted by the computer main body 10 side. Recognize the rated power.

With the AC adapter connection interface as described above, an AC adapter (A
The information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the C-ADP) 31 is read by the power supply controller (PSC) 24 of the computer main body 10 and the power supply controller (PS)
C) is stored in the internal status register 241 of the CPU 24 and read by the embedded controller (EC) 23.

FIG. 5 shows the power consumption of the computer main unit 10 when the AC adapter is used in the above-described embodiment, and an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 plugged in.
2 shows a configuration example of a power consumption management table (TBL) stored in the system memory 13 which is referred to for processing control when the power consumption capacity (rated power) of the CPU 11 is adjusted. FIG. 5A shows a power consumption management table by control, and FIG.
FIG. 5 shows a power consumption management table based on display brightness control of FIG.
This is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, AC power is referred to by referring to the two power consumption management tables (TBL) described above.
It is assumed that power control when the adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is used.

In addition to the throttling (intermittent operation) control of the CPU 11 and the display brightness control of the LCD 141, for example, a clock speed (operating frequency) control of the CPU 11, a power supply voltage control of the CPU 11, or an operation power supply control of a specific component It is also possible to control power consumption by such means. As an operation power supply control example of a specific component, for example, a DSP interface gate array 1
5, a power supply stop for disabling signal processing functions such as the DSP 151, the modem CODEC 152, and the sound CODEC 153, a power supply stop for a card connected to the card connector of the card controller 17, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a power consumption control processing procedure executed by the embedded controller (EC) 23 in the above embodiment, and shows a state in which the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is plugged in. Be executed. Note that the processing of reference numerals S13 to S15 is performed by the CPU.
11 is executed by the BIOS process.

The operation of the embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

When the minimum power consumption required for operating the computer main body 10 is 15 W and the power consumption required for operating at the highest performance is 60 W, the normally used AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is rated. Power 60W
It is. In this case, according to the present invention, even if there is no AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 having a rated power of 60 W, an AC adapter (AC-ADP) having a rated power of 45 W is used instead.
If there is, the power consumption of the computer main body 10 is controlled so that the computer main body 10 can operate using the adapter. That is, the power consumption of the computer main body 10 is supplied to an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 with a rated power of 45 W plugged in. By matching, the computer main unit 10 which normally does not normally operate unless the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 with the rated power of 60 W can be normally operated with the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 with the rated power of 45 W. It was made. At this time, the rated power of the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is set to the minimum required power consumption (15 W) of the computer main body 10.
If it is lower, the system power is not turned on.

The power consumption control process of the computer main body 10 at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is plugged in to the computer main body 10, the
The usage status of the AC adapter is determined by the power controller (PS
C) Embedded controller (EC) 23 via 24
Recognizes the power consumption management table (TBL) shown in FIG.
, A power consumption control process for matching the power consumption of the computer body 10 to the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 as shown in FIG. That is, the power supply controller (PSC) 24 monitors the connection state of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 and
When the adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is plugged in, the connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
1 to read information indicating the power supply capacity (rated output)
Status information (STA) indicating the attachment / detachment state of the adapter (AC-ADP) 31 and an AC adapter (AC-ADP)
The information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the power supply 31 is stored in the internal status register 241.

The embedded controller (EC) 23
From the internal status register 241 of the power supply controller (PSC) 24, the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
Status information (STA) indicating the attachment / detachment state of AC 1
Power supply capacity (rated power) of adapter (AC-ADP) 31
(STB) is read and set in a partial data register (DR) of the built-in register group. By reading status information (STA) indicating the attachment / detachment state of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31, the AC adapter (A-ADP) is read.
The AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 can recognize that the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 has been plugged in, and reads information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 to read the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC). -ADP) 31 can be recognized.

The above-mentioned embedded controller (EC) 2
3, the minimum power consumption of the computer body 10 is [A], the maximum power consumption is [B], the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC-A
Assuming that the power supply capacity (rated power) of the DP) 31 is [C], the minimum power consumption [A] is compared with the adapter rated power [C] (FIG. 6, steps S1 to S5).

Here, the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
When the rated power [C] is smaller than the minimum power consumption [A] of the computer main body 10 (A> C), power-on prohibition provided in an internal register and indicating power-on (power-on) prohibition is provided. Set the status flag (step S in FIG. 6)
6).

In comparison between the minimum power consumption [A] of the computer main body 10 and the rated power [C] of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31, the AC adapter (AC-ADP) is used.
ADP) 31 rated power [C] is
If the power consumption is not less than the minimum power consumption [A], the maximum power consumption [B] of the computer main body 10 is compared with the adapter rated power [C] (step S7 in FIG. 6).

Here, the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 3
When the rated power [C] is smaller than the maximum power consumption [B] of the computer main body 10 (B> C), a power consumption reduction state flag provided in an internal register is set (step S8 in FIG. 6). And an AC adapter (AC-A
When the rated power [C] of the DP) 31 is equal to or higher than the maximum power consumption [B] of the computer main body 10, the power is turned on by turning on the power switch or the like without setting the power consumption reduction state flag. Wait for an event (step S9 in FIG. 6).

When the power switch is turned on, for example, in the state of waiting for the event causing the power on (step S9 in FIG. 6), the power on process is started and the power supply controller (PSC) 24 supplies the power to the power supply controller (PSC) 24. An on-state is notified (step S10 in FIG. 6). Power supply controller (PSC) 24
When the power-on notification is received from the embedded controller (EC) 23, an initial system power-on process within the range of the minimum power consumption [A] is executed.

When the system power is turned on, the CPU 11
Starts the process of the BIOS stored in the BIOS memory 19, and executes power consumption control according to the state of the power consumption reduction state flag in the BIOS initial routine. That is, if the power consumption reduction state flag is not set, the system is started with the maximum power consumption [B] (step S15 in FIG. 6). If the power consumption reduction state flag is set, the power supply capability (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is adjusted with reference to the power consumption management table (TBL) stored in the system memory 13. Execute power consumption control processing (step S1 in FIG. 6)
4, S15).

A specific example at this time will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as an example, a case in which an AC adapter with a rated power of 45 W can be used in a machine configuration with a maximum power consumption of 50 W using an AC adapter with a rated power of 60 W will be described. In the case of a machine that requires 50 W of power consumption at the time of startup, in order to operate using an AC adapter having a rated power of 45 W, it is necessary to perform power saving of about 7 W in consideration of a margin.

FIG. 5 shows the power consumption of the computer body 10 when the AC adapter is used.
A power consumption management table (TBL) stored in the system memory 13 and referred to for processing control when matching the power supply capacity (rated power) of the C adapter (AC-ADP) 31
FIG. 5A shows a power consumption management table based on the throttling control of the CPU 11.
FIG. 5B shows a power consumption management table based on display luminance control of the LCD 141.

In this example, an AC adapter (AC-AD) with the lowest power supply capacity (rated power) connected by plug-in
P) 31 may be set to 45 W. Therefore, in the initial system power-on processing within the range of the minimum power consumption [A] (see step S10 in FIG. 6), priority is given to shortening the processing time at the time of startup as much as possible. , CPU throttling is set to “low speed mode / 100%”, and LCD brightness is set to “darkest level 1”. As a result, the power consumption of the CPU 11 is set to “7.187 W” and the power consumption of the LCD 141 is set to “1.3.
5W "can be reduced respectively, and" 8.537 "
Since the power consumption of “W” can be reduced, the power consumption of the computer main body 10 can be reduced from 50 W to 41.463 W.

In the initial system power-on process (step S10 in FIG. 6) within the range of the small power consumption [A], as described above, the CPU throttling is set to "low speed mode / 100%" and the LCD brightness is set. The darkest is “level 1”. As a result, the power consumption of the CPU 11 is set to “7.187 W” and the power consumption of the LCD 141 is set to “1.3.
5W "and a total of" 8.537W ", and the power consumption of the computer body 10 is reduced from 50W to 41.46.
Reduce power to 3W.

In the subsequent process of starting the system at the maximum power consumption [B] when the power consumption reduction state flag is not set (step S15 in FIG. 6), CPU throttling is set to "high-speed mode / 100%". The LCD brightness is set to the brightest “level 8”. This allows the system to be started up in a state where the processing speed is the fastest and the display screen brightness is the brightest due to power consumption of about 50 W at the time of start-up, in accordance with the power supply capability of the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31. Can be.

System startup processing when the power consumption reduction state flag is on (step S14 in FIG. 6)
Then, from the information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter stored in the data register (DR) of the embedded controller (EC) 23, the power supply of the plug-in connected AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is performed. It recognizes that the capacity (rated power) is 45 W, and according to this recognition, sets the CPU throttling to “low speed mode / 100”.
% "And the LCD brightness is the darkest" level 1 ", CP
The power consumption of U11 is reduced to “7.187 W”, the power consumption of LCD 141 is reduced to “1.35 W”, and the power consumption of the entire system is reduced by an AC adapter (A
41.463W according to the power supply capacity of C-ADP) 31.
The power consumption is reduced to an AC adapter with a rated power of 45 W (AC
-ADP) 31.

As described above, the AC adapter (AC-AD
When using P) 31, the power consumption of the entire system in the computer body 10 is reduced by the plug-in A
By realizing a processing function that matches the power supply capacity of the C adapter (AC-ADP) 31, for example, the CPU 11,
When the HDD (hard disk drive) 20 or the like is upgraded, the power consumption after the upgrade is A
It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as a system operation abnormality and a power supply abnormality that may occur when the power supply capacity of the C adapter (AC-ADP) 31 is exceeded. Further, in a machine configuration in which an AC adapter having a large power supply capacity in consideration of system expansion and an AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 having a small power supply capacity with priority on carrying are prepared, and the two types of AC adapters are selectively used. Also, always use the AC adapter (AC-AD
P) The system can be operated normally with power consumption matching the power supply capacity of 31).

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The above-described embodiment employs an AC adapter (A
In contrast to the configuration in which the power supply capacity (rated power) of the C-ADP) 31 is read from the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31, in the other embodiment shown in FIG. A setting circuit 41 for setting is provided, and the embedded controller (EC) 23 performs power consumption control according to the same adapter power supply capability as described above in accordance with the power supply capability set by the setting circuit 41.
In this example, the setting circuit 41 is composed of a dividing resistor and a switch, and each of the power supply capacities (rated power) of 50 W, 40 W, and 30 W can be set. The setting circuit 41 outputs a DC voltage specific to the set power supply capacity (rated power). The DC voltage output from the setting circuit 41 is supplied to an A / C (not shown) of the embedded controller (EC) 23.
The data is converted into a digital value by the D converter, and is used as an internal data register (DR) as information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31.
Is set to Subsequent processing is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the description of the operation will be omitted here.

As described above, the user operates the computer 1
Information (STB) indicating the power supply capacity (rated power) of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 in the connection interface of the AC adapter by adopting a configuration in which the power consumption of 0 can be selectively controlled within a predetermined range. The power consumption of the computer main body 10 can be controlled according to the power supply capability of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 with a simple AC adapter connection interface only by connecting a DC power supply plug, eliminating the need for a connector for inputting the power. Become. Further, with the above-described configuration, the user can operate the computer
Power consumption can be arbitrarily selected according to the intended use.

In the above embodiment, the CPU
Although the power consumption of the computer body 10 is controlled in accordance with the power supply capability of the AC adapter (AC-ADP) 31 by the throttling control of the LCD 11 and the display brightness control of the LCD 141, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to control power consumption by operating frequency control, power supply voltage control of the CPU 11, or operation power supply control of a specific component. At this time, examples of the operation power supply control of the specific component include, for example, the DSP interface gate array 15, the DSP 151, and the modem C.
Various components such as a power supply stop for disabling signal processing functions such as the ODEC 152 and the sound CODEC 153, a power supply stop to a card connected to a card connector of the card controller 17, or an operation power control of a component not shown. Power control.

In the present invention, the power consumption control process shown in FIG.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and processing can be performed by, for example, a processor of the power supply controller (PSC) 24 or the like.

[0064]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an electronic device in which an arbitrary AC adapter can be used for a plurality of types of AC adapters having different power supply capacities, and power supply control of the electronic device. A method can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of operating in accordance with the power supply capability of an AC adapter to be used and a power-on control method for the electronic device. According to the present invention, an AC adapter connection interface is shared for a plurality of types of devices having different power consumptions, thereby realizing an economically advantageous device configuration. An electronic device and a power-on control method for the electronic device in which a plurality of types of AC adapters having different power supply capacities can be commonly used. Further, according to the present invention, even when the power consumption of the entire system exceeds the power supply capability of the AC adapter due to, for example, system upgrade, the power generation occurs at that time.
It is possible to provide an electronic device and a power-on control method for the electronic device that can always maintain a stable system operation while reliably avoiding inconveniences such as a system operation abnormality and a power supply abnormality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an AC adapter connection interface applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an AC adapter connection interface applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an AC adapter connection interface applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an AC adapter connection interface applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a power consumption control processing procedure executed by an embedded controller (EC) 23 in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part in another embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 10 Portable Computer Body 11 CPU 13 System Memory 14 Display Controller 19 BIOS Memory 23 Embedded Controller (EC) 24 Power Supply Controller (PSC) 31 AC Adapter (AC-ADP) 41 Setting circuit 131: Power consumption management table (TBL)

Claims (9)

[Claims] A power supply of an AC adapter which is a supply source of operation power is recognized, and power consumption of a specific component in the device is variably controlled in accordance with the recognized power supply capability to reduce the power consumption of the device. An electronic device, comprising: a control unit that adjusts power supply capability. 2. An electronic device operable with an AC adapter power supply, an internal component capable of variably controlling power consumption during operation within a predetermined range, and input means for inputting information indicating a power supply capability of the AC adapter. And control means for controlling the power consumption of the internal components so that the power consumption of the device falls within the power supply capability of the AC adapter indicated by the input information of the input means. machine. 3. An electronic device operable by an AC adapter power supply, an internal component capable of variably controlling power consumption during operation within a predetermined range, and input means for inputting information indicating a power supply capability of the AC adapter. Determining means for determining whether or not the power consumption of the device including the internal component exceeds the power supply capability of the AC adapter indicated by the input information of the input means; and Control means for suppressing power consumption of the internal components so that when it is determined that the power supply capability of the AC adapter is exceeded, the power consumption of the device falls within the power supply capability of the AC adapter. Electronic equipment characterized. 4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the input unit inputs information indicating a power supply capability of the AC adapter from an AC adapter connected to a connection terminal of the AC adapter. 5. The input means has means for setting a power supply capability of an AC adapter to be used, and the input means sets the power supply capacity to A.
4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein information indicating a power supply capability of the C adapter is input. 6. When the power consumption of the device falls within the power supply capability of the AC adapter by suppressing and controlling the power consumption of the internal components, a power-on process using an AC adapter is executed, and the power consumption of the device is reduced. Even if the power consumption is controlled to suppress the power consumption of the internal components, the AC
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising control means for interrupting power-on processing using the AC adapter when the power supply capacity of the adapter is exceeded. 7. The control means for variably controlling the power consumption of the internal component includes: means for controlling a clock speed of a CPU; means for controlling an operation power supply of the CPU; means for controlling throttling of the CPU; and brightness of a display device. 4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a unit for controlling the operation of the specific circuit, a unit for controlling the suspension of the operation of the specific circuit, and a unit for controlling the cutoff of the power supply of the specific circuit. 8. The information indicating the power supply capability of the AC adapter is:
5. The code information, analog information, or memory read information transmitted from the AC adapter.
Electronic device as described. 9. A power-on control method for an electronic device operable by an AC adapter power supply, the method comprising the steps of:
Enter information indicating the power supply capacity of the AC adapter to be used,
A power-on control method for an electronic device, characterized in that the power consumption of a specific internal component is controlled based on the information so as to be within the power supply capability of an AC adapter that uses the power consumption of the device.