WO2007114815A1

WO2007114815A1 - Lower power platform for desktop computers

Info

Publication number: WO2007114815A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/012367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chai Eong Boo; Teck Joo Goh; Hen Sing Chin; John Eley
Original assignee: Intel Corporation
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2006-03-31
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

A lower power platform for a desktop PC is described herein. In one embodiment, a desktop computer includes, but is not limited to, a processor, a desktop chipset coupled to the processor, and a power supply coupled to the processor and the desktop chipset. The power supply is configured to provide power to the processor and the desktop chipset, where the power supply includes an AC (alternating current) power supply and a battery with a charger. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Description

LOWER POWER PLATFORM FOR DESKTOP COMPUTERS

FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to personal computers; and more specifically, to lower platform for desktop personal computers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical desktop PC (personal computer) consumes a substantial amount of power and limits its use to areas with good constant power (e.g., AC or alternating current power). For example, in some areas where an AC power source may not be consistently provided, a desktop PC may not function properly since it requires constant power. Meanwhile, a notebook or laptop PC (e.g., a portable PC) is well suited for areas with intermittent power because it typically includes a battery built in to sustain required power for a period of time when the AC power is unavailable. However, a portable PC may require relatively high cost to build and it may not achieve the ruggedness that a desktop can, for example, in some rural areas with a rough operating environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Embodiments of the invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0004] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a low power desktop PC according to one embodiment.

[0005] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a voltage regulator according to one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a voltage regulating circuit according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system according to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] A lower power platform for a desktop PC is described herein. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of the present invention maybe practiced without these specific details, hi other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a low power desktop platform includes a relatively low power processor coupled with a desktop chipset or motherboard, as well as a battery that can sustain a period of time without the normal AC power, hi one embodiment, the lower power processor may be a mobile processor, such as, for example, a mobile Celeron™ processor from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California. The desktop platform may be enclosed in a regular desktop chassis. [0012] As a result, the low power platform includes features of low power consumption, rugged design for rural environments, flexible power source to be useful in environments that have intermittent power, and enabling typical PC usage in more markets. This design combines both to deliver a new platform tailored to the needs of rural environments. This enables rural consumers to use a PC where they previously could not. This design supports substantially the same applications and usages as a typical desktop, but with much less power consumed. Coupled embodiments of this application with an integrated battery charger/discharger, the PC will be able to operate up-to, for example, 8 hours, using tubular battery (e.g., without the usual AC power). This in turn enhances PC deployment in the rural business model of such environments.

[0013] Figure l is a block diagram illustrating an example of a low power desktop PC according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, system 100 includes, but is not limited to, processor 102 coupled with a desktop chipset 104 via bus or interconnect 120, where the processor 102 and the desktop chipset 104 are powered by power supply 106. In one embodiment, processor 102 may be a low power consumption processor relative to a typical desktop processor used in an ordinary desktop. For example, processor 102 may be mobile processor used in a portable device or computer, such as a notebook or laptop computer, hi one embodiment, processor 102 may be a mobile processor from Pentium™ family processors available from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California, such as, for example, a mobile Celeron™ processor.

[0014] Desktop chipset 104 may be a typical desktop chipset commercially available and used in an ordinary desktop computer. Desktop chipset 104 may include, but it not limited to, a memory control hub (MCH) and/or an input/output (IO) control hub (ICH). In one embodiment, the MCH may be, for example, an 865GV compatible device and the ICH may be, for example, an ICH5 compatible device, both available from Intel Corporation. The desktop chipset 104 may be coupled to the processor 102 via a processor bus or interconnect, also referred to as a front-side bus (FSB). Processor 102 and chipset 104 maybe implemented on the same desktop motherboard, which may be enclosed within a desktop housing or chassis.

[0015] hi addition, power supply 106 is configured to provide power to both processor 102 and chipset 104 via power bus/interconnect 114. Since processor 102 is a low power consumption processor (e.g., mobile processor), processor 102 may have an operating voltage different than desktop chip set 104. For example, processor 102 may operate within a voltage range of approximately 1.3 to 3.5 volts, while desktop chipset 104 may operate within a voltage range of approximately 5 to 12 volts. In one embodiment, power supply 106 may provide power voltage within the operating voltage of the desktop chipset 104 and a voltage regulator 116 is used to regulate the power output from the power supply 106 and supplies the regulated power to processor 102 for proper operations.

[0016] hi addition to a regular AC power supply 108 used in an ordinary desktop computer, power supply 106 further includes a battery 112 and a charger 110 for charging the battery 112. Thus, in a situation where AC power is not available, battery 112 may continue to provide power to the processor 102 and desktop chipset 104 without interruption. Power supply 106 may further include control logic (not shown) to control charging battery, as well as switching between AC power and the battery power supplied to the processor 102 and chipset 104. In one embodiment, when AC power is available, AC power supply is configured to provide power to the processor 102 and chipset 104. Meanwhile, battery 112 is charged by charger 110 using the AC power as a source or input. When the AC power is not available, according to one embodiment, battery 112 is configured to provide power (e.g., discharged) to the processor 102 and chipset 104.

[0017] Voltage regulator or regulating circuit 116 (e.g., a first regulator) may be a simple DC/DC (direct current to direct current) regulator, such as a single phase DC/DC converter, since processor 102 may not require much power with respect to a standard desktop processor according to one embodiment. For example, according to specific embodiment, voltage regulator 116 may include a programmable voltage controller compatible with L6911C available from STMicroelectronics. An example of such voltage controller is shown in Figure 2 according to certain embodiments. [0018] hi a specific implementation, according to one embodiment, the VID (voltage identification) inputs of the voltage regulator are coupled to a desired voltage level of processor 102 (e.g., 1.35 volts). The output stages of the voltage controller utilize two high side and two low side FETs (field effect transistors) as a driver to deliver approximate 24 watts power dissipation. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of voltage regulator 116 according to certain embodiments.

[0019] Further, although the bus or interconnect 120 signals may be the same between processor 102 and chipset 104 such that they can be directly coupled without intervening circuitry; however, the signaling level (VTT or termination voltage) for processor 102 and chipset 104 are different. As a result, it requires a voltage regulation level that meets the requirement of both processor 102 and chipset 104, while preventing overly stressing either of the processor 102 and chipset 104. In order regulate voltages of signals exchanged between processor 102 and chipset 104, another voltage (e.g., a second regulator) VTT regulator 118 is utilized. VTT regulator 118 is used to regulate a voltage generated from a power source (e.g., voltage source) that provides power to the termination resisters used by processor 102 and/or desktop chipset 104. VTT regulator 118 can be implemented using one of the commercially available VTT regulators.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a voltage regulator which may be used in one embodiment of the invention. For example, device 200 may be used as part of regulator 116 of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, device 200 includes, but is not limited to, a controller 201 to receive a reference signal from interface 202 and to generate an output 203 based on the reference signal received from interface 202. Controller 201 may be programmable using reference signals or voltages applied at interface 202.

[0021] In one embodiment, controller 201 may be an L6911C compatible programmable voltage controller available from STMicroelectronics. Controller 201 is powered from a typical desktop power rail ranging approximately from 5 volts to 12 volts. Device 200 further includes a driver having a pair of FETs (field effect transistors), such as, for example, N-channel FETs, coupled to UGATE and LGATE terminals of controller 201. The driver 204 generate the output 203 ranging approximately from 1.3 volts to 3.5 volts, which is within a typical operating voltage range of a mobile processor, based on a reference voltage applied at interface 202 ranging from, for example, approximately 1.3 volts to 2.05 volts. Other components may also be included.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage regulating circuit according to alternative embodiment of the invention. For example, device 300 may be implemented as part of voltage regulator 116 of Figure 1 and/or device 200 of Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, similar to device 200 of Figure 2, device 300 includes, but is not limited to, a controller 301 to receive a reference signal from interface 302 and to generate an output 303 based on the reference signal received from interface 302. Controller 301 may be programmable using reference signals or voltages applied at interface 302. Device 300 further includes a driver circuit 304 having four FETs to drive the output 303. In one embodiment, controller 301 may be an L6911C compatible programmable voltage controller available from STMicroelectronics.

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system which may be used as an embodiment of the invention. For example, system 400 maybe implemented as part of system 100 of Figure 1. Note that while Figure 4 illustrates various components of a computer system, it is not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components, as such details are not germane to the present invention. It will also be appreciated that network computers, handheld computers, cell phones, and other data processing systems which have fewer components or perhaps more components may also be used with the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the computer system 400, which is a form of a data processing system, includes a bus or interconnect 402 which is coupled to a processor 403 and a ROM 407, a volatile RAM 405, and a non-volatile memory 406. The processor 403, which maybe, for example, a mobile processor (e.g., mobile Celeron™ compatible processor from Intel Corporation, is coupled to cache memory 404 as shown in the example of Figure 4. The bus 402 interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components 403, 407, 405, and 406 to a display controller and display device 408, as well as to input/output (I/O) devices 410, which maybe mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers, and other devices which are well-known in the art.

[0025] Typically, the input/output devices 410 are coupled to the system through input/output controllers 409. The volatile RAM 405 is typically implemented as static RAM (SRAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continuously in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. The non- volatile memory 406 is typically a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive, an optical drive, or a DVD ROM or other type of memory system which maintains data even after power is removed from the system. Typically, the non-volatile memory will also be a random access memory, although this is not required. While Figure 4 shows that the non- volatile memory is a local device coupled directly to the rest of the components in the data processing system, it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilize a non- volatile memory which is remote from the system; such as, a network storage device which is coupled to the data processing system through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface.

[0026] The bus 402 may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers, and/or adapters, as is well-known in the art. In one embodiment, the I/O controller 409 may include, but not limited to, the IEEE 802.5 standard, IEEE std. 802.5-1992, published June 12, 1992. [0027] In addition to a normal AC power supply (not shown), system 400 may further include a battery 411 and a battery charger 412 for charging the battery 411. The battery 411 may be used to provide power while the AC power is not available. The battery charger 412 is used to charge the battery 411 when the AC power is available. Other components may also be implemented.

[0028] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system according to one embodiment. For example, the system as shown in Figure 5 maybe implemented as a part of system 100 or 400 of Figures 1 and 4. Referring to Figure 5, system 500 includes, but is not limited to, processor 501 coupled to a memory control hub (MCH) 502, which is coupled to an IO (input/output) control hub (ICH) 503. Li one embodiment, processor 501 may be mobile processor, such as, for example, Celeron compatible mobile processor available from Mel Corporation. MCH 502 and ICH 503 may be part of a desktop chipset designed for a desktop computer. MCH 502 maybe an 865GV compatible MCH available from Intel Corporation. ICH 503 may be an ICH5 compatible ICH available from Intel Corporation.

[0029] hi addition, a voltage regulator 504 is coupled to the processor to provide operating power to processor 501 which is typically lower than the power required by a desktop component, such as, for example, MCH 502 and/or ICH 503. Voltage regulator 504 may be implemented as part of device 116 of Figure 1, device 200 of Figure 2, and/or device 300 of Figure 3. Further, a VTT regulator 505 is provided to provide regulation for termination voltages. VTT regulator 505 may be implemented as part of device 118 of Figure 1.

[0030] Furthermore, MCH 502 may be coupled to one or more components, such as, for example, memory devices via memory interface 506, a display device via a display interface 507. ICH 502 may be coupled to one or more components, such as, for example, a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) device via a PCI bus 508, a communication device via communication interface 509, an audio device via audio interface 510, a USB (universal serial bus, the IEEE 802.5 standard, IEEE std. 802.5-1992, published June 12, 1992) device via USB interface 511, and other components (e.g., IEEE 1394 or FireWire devices). Other components may also be included.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, an example of a system described above may include the following components:

Max. Power (Watt)

System Specification Lower Power Desktop Typical Desktop

Celeron M 1.3 G

CPU (512KB) 24.0 95W-115W

MCH 865GV 11 11

ICH ICH5 2.4 2.4

MEM DDR333 5.0 5.0

HDD 12.0 12.0

ODD 10.0 10.0

MB/Misc 10.0 10.0

Total 75W >100 W

[0032] Thus, a lower power platform for a desktop PC has been described herein. Some portions of the preceding detailed descriptions have been presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the ways used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0033] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD- ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable ROMs (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.

[0035] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method operations. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be

I l appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of embodiments of the invention as described herein. [0036] A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory ("ROM"); random access memory ("RAM"); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc. [0037] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A desktop computer, comprising: a processor; a desktop chipset coupled to the processor; and a power supply coupled to the processor and the desktop chipset, the power supply providing power to the processor and the desktop chipset, the power supply including an AC (alternating current) power supply and a battery with a charger.

2. The desktop computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor consumes relatively less power than a normal desktop processor.

3. The desktop computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor is a mobile processor normally used in a mobile computer.

4. The desktop computer of claim 3, wherein the processor is a mobile Celeron™ compatible processor.

5. The desktop computer of claim 1 , wherein the battery provides power to the processor and the desktop chipset when the AC power supply is unable to provide power, and wherein the battery is charged when the AC power supply provides power to the processor and the desktop chipset.

6. The desktop computer of claim 1 , further comprising a first voltage regulator coupled to the processor and the power supply to convert a first voltage level output from the power supply to a second voltage level within a power operating range of the processor.

7. The desktop computer of claim 6, wherein the first voltage level is within a power operating range of the desktop chipset.

8. The desktop computer of claim 6, further comprising a second voltage regulator coupled to the processor and the desktop chipset to regulate voltages of signals exchanged between the processor and the desktop chipset to be within a predetermined range.

9. A desktop computer, comprising: a desktop chassis enclosing a motherboard having a mobile processor operating on a first voltage level and a desktop chipset coupled to the processor, the desktop chipset operating on a second voltage level different than the first voltage level, a power supply coupled to the desktop chipset to provide power to the desktop chipset, the power supply including an AC (alternating current) power supply and a battery with a charger, and a first voltage regulator coupled to the mobile processor and the power supply to convert the second voltage level output from the power supply to the first voltage level, such that the mobile processor and the desktop chipset function appropriately in exchanging information.

10. The desktop computer of claim 9, further comprising a second voltage regulator coupled to the mobile processor and the desktop chipset to regulate voltages of signals carrying the information and exchanged between the mobile processor and the desktop chipset to be within a predetermined range.

11. The desktop computer of claim 9, wherein the battery provides power to the mobile processor and the desktop chipset when the AC power supply is unable to provide power, and wherein the battery is charged when the AC power supply provides power to the mobile processor and the desktop chipset.

12. The desktop computer of claim 9, wherein the mobile processor is a mobile Celeron™ compatible processor.

13. A method for operating a desktop computer, comprising: operating a mobile processor at a first voltage level; operating a desktop chipset a second voltage level different than the first voltage level, the desktop chipset coupled to the processor; using a power supply to provide power to the desktop chipset at the second voltage level, the power supply including an AC (alternating current) power supply and a battery with a charger; and regulating power supplied to the mobile processor by convert the second voltage level output from the power supply to the first voltage level, such that the mobile processor and the desktop chipset function appropriately in exchanging information.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising regulating voltages of signals carrying the information and exchanged between the mobile processor and the desktop chipset to be within a predetermined range.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the battery provides power to the mobile processor and the desktop chipset when the AC power supply is unable to provide power, and wherein the battery is charged when the AC power supply provides power to the mobile processor and the desktop chipset.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the mobile processor is a mobile Celeron™ compatible processor.