KR0174356B1 - Personal computer power control method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power control method of a personal computer and an apparatus thereof, and in particular, in order to prevent unnecessary consumption of power in a personal computer, the minimum power is supplied when the user does not use the system for a predetermined time. The present invention relates to a power control method and apparatus for controlling power management.

That is, a control signal includes an external input source for outputting each input signal for switching the current system state, logic means for logically operating the EPMI signal input from the external input source, and an EPMI signal input from the logic means. A main control chipset for outputting a signal, a system BIOS for analyzing a predetermined EPMI signal connected to the main control chipset, and outputting a predetermined signal to an SD2 signal line, and switching to a power saving mode by a control signal of the main control chipset. By connecting to the central processing unit, efficient power management of the personal computer is controlled.

Description

Personal computer power control method and apparatus

1 is a power management diagram of a conventional personal computer.

2 is a block diagram for controlling power management for various input sources in accordance with the present invention.

3 is a control flowchart for controlling power management of a personal computer according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

10: external input source 20: logic means

30: main control chipset 40: system basic input / output system

50: central processing unit

The present invention relates to a power control method of a personal computer and an apparatus thereof, and in particular, in order to prevent unnecessary consumption of power in a personal computer, the minimum power is supplied when the user does not use the system for a predetermined time. A power control method and apparatus for controlling power management.

In general, personal computers control power management (PM) through two main functions. That is, when the time is set by the timer set by the timer in the personal computer, the function enters the green mode and when the specific signal is input from the outside of the personal computer, the function switches to the power saving mode. to be.

The power saving mode by the time setting is a method applied to all personal computers, and the power saving mode by an external specific signal is an optional function and is determined by the developer of the main control chip set and the personal computer. In personal computers, most of them are applied.

In addition, since the method of inputting the external specific signal can be controlled by various input sources instead of one, the specific pins (External Power Management) of the main control chip set 2 in the power management diagram of FIG. Interrupts (hereinafter referred to as EPMI pins) (1-0 ~ 1-n) exist and connect the output part of input source 1 to be controlled to each EPMI pin (1-0 ~ 1-n) The main control chipset 2 can determine the input source 1. Therefore, a function already defined by the developer of the personal computer is performed with respect to power management for each input source 1. The EPMI pins (1-0 to 1-n) are a kind of interrupt signal that informs a power management function when a specific external signal is input to the main control chip set 2. The number of EPMI pins (1-0 to 1-n) may vary depending on the number applied to the main control chipset (2) for the multiple EPMI pin signals by each external signal that is the external input source (1). have.

As described above, a timer setting method commonly applied to all personal computers is a system BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and a main control when the user sets a specific time and reaches the set time. The chipset 2 puts each driver such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a floppy disk and a hard disk, and other peripheral devices 5 such as a monitor into a power saving mode so as to minimize power consumption. However, this corresponds to the case where the system has not been used within the time set in the timer 3, and if the system has been used at least once, it enters the power saving mode after a predetermined time from that time.

In addition, the method using the EPMI signal includes a remote controller or a switch, which is an external input source 1 connected to each EPMI pins (1-0 to 1-n), and a modem ring or a scheduler, which is an internal input. When an external signal is input from each of the input sources 1 by means of), the main control chipset 2 detects this signal and performs a routine determined by the system BIOS. The routine of such a system BIOS sets the main control chipset 2 appropriately, thereby shutting down the functions of various peripheral devices 5 including the central processing unit to enter the power saving mode.

Once the personal computer is in the power saving mode, when an interrupt and an EPMI signal from a mouse or keyboard used in the personal computer are input, the mode is switched back to the normal mode, and the system is normally in use.

therefore. The timer-based method can be switched to the power saving mode only after a set time, and when the system is used even once, it can only be switched to the power saving mode from that time again. The EPMI method used to compensate for this can be switched to the power saving mode at any time desired by the user, but several EPMI pins must be present in the main control chipset for power management control of various internal and external input sources. Should be.

However, since the main control chipset has a size limitation and requires several control signals in addition to the EPMI pin, two functions can be selectively used for one pin even when assigning one pin or assigning multiple pins. Use one multipin to make sure. In the case of the multi-pin, if one signal is defined and used, other functions cannot be used. That is, for this reason, restrictions on multiple input sources occur, and there is a problem that a separate method must be used when necessary.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention transmits an EPMI signal input from an external input source to a single signal line, analyzes the EPMI signal for the transmitted signal, and switches the system to a normal mode or a power saving mode. The purpose is to control effective power management.

In order to achieve the above object, an EPMI signal applied from a plurality of input sources to a main control chipset is applied through a plurality of EPMI pins, and is generated in a personal computer and at a time set by a timer connected to the main control chipset. In the power control device of the personal computer which is applied an interrupt signal to be used, and controls each signal applied to the main control chip set to output a control signal to the central processing unit to switch the current mode, a plurality of external input source EPMI (External Power Control Interrupt) signal is applied from the main control chipset through the specified EPMI pin, and the applied EPMI signal is analyzed through the system BIOS, and the generated EPMI signal and the interrupt generated by the personal computer are used. Signals are respectively applied to the main control chipset and via a stop clock line connected to the main control chipset. The control signal is output to the central processing unit to control the power management of the personal computer by switching the current mode.

In addition, an apparatus for achieving the above object includes an external input source for outputting each input signal for switching the current system state, logic means for logical operation of the EPMI signal input from the upper input source, A main control chip set for outputting a control signal with an EPMI signal inputted from logic means, a system BIOS for analyzing the input EPMI signal connected to the main control chip set, and switching to a power saving mode by a control signal of the main control chip set It is characterized by a connection including a central processing unit.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power control apparatus for a personal computer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram for controlling power management for various input sources according to the present invention. Reference numeral 10 denotes an external input source for outputting respective input signals for switching the current system state. The external input source 10 is switched to the power saving mode by pressing a specific button once from the outside, the user is mounted on the system with the same function as the remote control 10a and the remote control 10a to switch to the normal mode again A switch (10b) for controlling power management by using a switch, and a modem ring (10c) for converting to a normal mode when a ring signal sounds when the system is in a power saving mode by using a telephone or a fax from outside; In this case, when the system is in the power saving mode, if the user sets a certain time or a certain day, the scheduler 10d may be switched to the normal mode at that time.

In the case of the modem ring 10c, there should be no change in the system even if a ring signal sounds in the normal mode, and in the case of the scheduler 10d, there should be no change in the system even if the ring signal sounds in the normal mode. do. The scheduler 10d differs from the timer in that the time can be set by a program at any time while the system is in use.

In addition, reference numeral 20 is a logic means for performing a logical operation on a plurality of EPMI signals input from the external input source 10, reference numeral 21 outputs the logical operation EPMI signal from the logic means 20 Is the EPMI pin.

In addition, reference numeral 30 is a main control chipset for outputting a control signal to the EPMI signal input from the logic means 20, reference numeral 40 is connected to the main control chipset 30, the input EPMI signal Is a system BIOS for analyzing a reference numeral 50 denotes a central processing unit for switching to a power saving mode by a control signal of the main control chipset 30.

In addition, signal lines 32 and 41 for inputting and outputting EPMI signals from the main control chipset 30 to the system BIOS 40 are connected, and the state of the system from the main control chipset 30 to the central processing unit 50. A stop clock line 31 for outputting a signal for determining a signal is connected, and a signal line 51 to which an interrupt signal used in a personal computer is applied is connected to the main control chipset 30, respectively.

In the power control apparatus of the personal computer of the present invention having the above configuration, four external power management control input sources of the remote controller 10a, the switch 10b, the modem ring 10c, and the scheduler 10d are logical AND gates. When one of them is activated using the same simple logic means 20, one square wave is a pulse wave ( )

This pulse wave is connected to only one EPMI pin 21 in the main control chipset 30, and when this signal is input to the general main control chipset 30, the control is performed by the system BIOS 40. do.

That is, as a power control method of the personal computer by the EPMI signal, the remote control 10a or the switch 10b, which is an external input connected to each EPMI signal line 11-1 to 11-n, and the modem input, which is an internal input, are connected. When an external signal is input from the external input source 10 by the 10c or the scheduler 10d, the main control chipset 30 detects this signal and performs a routine defined by the system BIOS. The routine of the system BIOS 40 sets the main control chipset 30 appropriately, thereby stopping the functions of various peripheral devices including the central processing unit 50 to enter the power saving mode.

Once the personal computer is in the power saving mode, when an interrupt and an EPMI signal from a mouse or keyboard used in the personal computer are input, the mode is switched back to the normal mode, and the system is normally in use.

With respect to the control described above with reference to the control flow chart of FIG. 3, the system BIOS (40) must determine which power management control request by the signal of the plurality of external input source (10). This is because the routines to be performed in accordance with the external input source 10 for several EPMI signals are different.

At this time, if there are a plurality of EPMI pins (1-0 to 1-n) in the conventional main control chipset 2 itself, there is a register for each, and if the input source 1 is operated, By reading the registers, you can see the input source that was simply operated, so that you can execute the corresponding routine.

However, in the present invention, one EPMI pin 21 is used to control power management for a plurality of external input sources 10.

That is, either the external input source 10 is an operation by the switch 10b, an operation by the remote controller 10a, an operation by the modem ring 10c, or an operation by the scheduler 10d. When inputted to the input terminal of 20, the logic means 20 outputs a square wave pulse corresponding thereto, and the square wave pulse is input to the main control chipset 30 (S101). At this time, the main control chip set 30 determines whether the current system state is a power saving mode or a normal mode state (S102).

If the system state is in the power saving mode, the main control chip set 30 outputs a control signal to the CPU 50 through the stop clock stage STPCLK to convert the system to the normal mode (S103).

If it is determined in S102 that the state of the system is in a normal state, the system BIOS 40 determines whether the operator is a switch 10b, a remote controller 10a or a modem ring 10c, or a scheduler 10d. (S104).

The system BIOS 40 reads the SD2 (System Data) signal line in response to an operation source input from the outside using a specific input / output port according to each routine (S105). This signal is 0 when the EPMI signal due to internal factors of the personal computer is modeming 10c or when the signal generated by the scheduler 10d is generated. The EPMI signal due to external factors of the personal computer is switch 10b or the remote controller 10a. When signal is generated, it is read as 1.

Therefore, once SD2 = 1, the system BIOS 40 determines that it is by the switch 10b or the remote controller 10a. In this case, the system BIOS 40 performs a routine of switching to the power saving mode by a predetermined power control function. To be. That is, in this case, although it is two functions of a switch or a remote controller, it does not need to be distinguished because it is an input source that performs the same thing in a previously defined function. If SD2 = 0, the system BIOS 40 determines that the modem BIOS 10c or the scheduler 10d is determined, and the system BIOS 40 exits the normal mode instead of the power saving mode by the corresponding BIOS routine according to the function definition.

That is, the system BIOS 40 is not controlled to switch to the power saving mode state when the EPMI signal is generated, but is controlled by a method of performing a separate routine according to each situation already defined by the user.

Following the definition of power control when the state of the system is in the power saving mode, the system may be switched to the normal mode if an external interrupt occurs. The external interrupt means that the interrupt (IRQ0-7) and the direct memory access (DREQ0-7) used in the personal computer occur. These signals are used to execute the function defined in each signal. Occurs at For example, when the mouse or keyboard is operated in the power saving node state, the system returns to the normal mode because the corresponding interrupt signal is generated. That is, the IRQ12 is generated by the mouse and the IRQ1 is generated by the keyboard.

Of course, since the EPMI signal is a kind of interrupt input from the outside, whatever the source of the EPMI is, it is switched to the normal mode regardless of the input source. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine the input source when the EPMI signal is input in the power saving mode.

As such, an effective power control function can be implemented by simple modification and modification of the system BIOS on an already designed system without additional complicated hardware of the present invention. In other words, even if at least one pin is provided in the main control chip set, the external control source can be used in the case of the EPMI signal, and even if a plurality of pins are used, various useful functions supported by the main control chip set can be used. Can be.

Claims (9)

An EPMI signal applied from a plurality of input sources to the main control chipset is applied through a plurality of EPMI pins, a time set by a timer connected to the main control chipset, and an interrupt signal generated and used in a personal computer is applied. A power control apparatus of a personal computer for controlling a respective signal applied to the main control chipset and outputting a control signal to a central processing unit to switch the current mode, the EPMI (external power control) applied from a plurality of external input sources Interrupt) signal is applied to the main control chipset through the specified EPMI pin, and the applied EPMI signal is analyzed through the system BIOS, and the analyzed EPMI signal and the interrupt signal generated and used in the personal computer are applied to the main control chipset, respectively. The control signal is sent to the central processing unit through a stop clock line connected to the main control chipset. The power strategy method of controlling a personal computer, for switching the current mode. Applying an EPMI signal through one EPMI pin through operation by a switch, operation by a remote controller, operation by modem, or operation by a scheduler; Determining a current system state; Determining an EPMI signal as an operation source in the operation mode from the determined system state; Determining whether the determined operator is a switch and a remote controller or a modem and a scheduler; Switching to a power saving mode when the operator is a switch and a remote controller; Transitioning from the determined system state to an operational mode state when it is in a power saving mode or when the operator is a modem and a scheduler; Power control method of a personal computer consisting of. Outputs a control signal to an external input source for outputting respective input signals for switching the current system state, logic means for logically operating the EPMI signal input from the external input source, and an EPMI signal input from the logic means. A main control chip set, a system BIOS for analyzing a predetermined EPMI signal connected to the main control chip set, and outputting a predetermined signal to an SD2 signal line; and a central processing unit for switching to a power saving mode by a control signal of the main control chip set. Power control device for a personal computer, including a. 4. The power control device of a personal computer according to claim 3, wherein signal lines output from said logic means and input to said main control chipset are connected with one EPMI pin. 4. The power control device of a personal computer according to claim 3, wherein said system BIOS has a program for analyzing an EPMI signal input from said main control chipset. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the external input source is a remote controller, a switch, a modem, and a scheduler. 4. The power control of a personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the state of the SD2 signal line of the system BIOS input to the main control chipset is switched to the power saving mode when the output level is 1, and the normal mode is changed when the SD2 is 0. Device. 8. The power control apparatus of a personal computer according to claim 7, wherein the external input source is a switch and a remote controller when the SD2 signal line of the system BIOS is 1, and the external input source is a modeming and a scheduler when 0. The system of claim 3 or 7, wherein the main control chipset switches the state of the system to the normal mode when the signal outputted through the stop clock stage to the central processing unit is 1, and sets the state of the system to the power saving mode when 0. The power control device for a personal computer, characterized in that for switching to.