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AppleGranted patentChips & hardwareInterest 6/10

Apple patents chip design that cuts power use by adjusting speed and limits

This patent describes a system for managing electricity in complex computer chips. It uses specific circuits to lower the chip's operating speed and enforce strict power limits for different parts of the hardware.

Why it mattersBetter power management helps devices run longer on a single charge and stay cooler, which is a key goal for modern smartphones and laptops.

In the filing’s own words

Various techniques and circuit implementations for power reduction management in integrated circuits are disclosed. Trigger logic circuits and rate control circuits may be implemented in combination with a power management circuit to control power provided to components of the integrated circuits. Power may be controlled based on receiving trigger signals from a power management unit. The power management circuit may implement power budgets for various components in the integrated circuits.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An integrated circuit, comprising: a plurality of components, wherein a given component of the plurality of components is configured to manage power consumption based on a budgeted amount assigned to the given component; a trigger logic circuit configured to generate a power reduction signal based on receiving trigger signals input to the integrated circuit, wherein the power reduction signal is synchronous with a clock cycle of the integrated circuit, and wherein the power reduction signal applies power control across the plurality of components; a rate control circuit configured to control a clock rate for the plurality of components responsive to at least one of the trigger signals, wherein the rate control circuit reduces the clock rate asynchronously from the clock cycle; and a power management circuit configured to control the budgeted amount assigned to the given component based on assessment of the power control applied by the power reduction signal against a threshold.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Power management in multi-die SoCs through hardware power control
Patent number
US12748476B2
Application number
18622481
Filed
Mar 29, 2024
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Inventors
8
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 1/3206 Physics & computingG06F 1/3228 Physics & computingG06F 1/324 Physics & computingG06F 1/3293 Physics & computingG06F 1/3296 Physics & computingG06F 1/3225 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.