US Patent No: 5,752,011

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Method and system for controlling a processor's clock frequency in accordance with the processor's temperature

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Abstract

Novel techniques for controlling a processor's clock frequency so as to prevent overheating are disclosed. The invention attempts to maximizes the processing speed of the processor while preventing overheating. In a preferred embodiment, the invention monitors a processor's activity and its temperature. When there is no activity for the processor, a slowed clock frequency is used, thereby saving power and lowering the thermal heat produced by the processor. On the other hand, when there is activity for the processor, a fast clock frequency is used. However, when prolonged activity (i.e., sustained fast clock frequency) causes the processor's temperature to become dangerously high for proper operation, the clock frequency is reduced so as to maintain processing speed at a reduced speed while preventing overheating. The invention may be implemented as an apparatus or a method.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
IPVENTURE, INC.LOS ALTOS, CA73

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Thomas, Alan E Ocean City, NJ 35 1014
Thomas, C Douglas Campbell, CA 4 167

Cited Art

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SEVERANCE, GERARD J. (1)
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ZENI LITE BUOY CO., LTD. (1)
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Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
INTEL CORPORATION (39)
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INTELLECTUAL VENTURE FUNDING LLC (27)
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (6)
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NVIDIA CORPORATION (6)
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KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA (4)
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CRAY CANADA CORPORATION (2)
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HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY (2)
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LSI LOGIC CORPORATION (2)
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DELL PRODUCTS L.P. (1)
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FUJITSU LIMITED (1)
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IPVENTURE, INC. (1)
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KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION (1)
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MICROSOFT CORPORATION (1)
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WISTRON CORPORATION (1)
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OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (10)
8,442,784 Adaptive power control based on pre package characterization of integrated circuits 0 2007
8,370,658 Adaptive control of operating and body bias voltages 0 2009
8,319,515 Systems and methods for adjusting threshold voltage 0 2009
8,222,914 Systems and methods for adjusting threshold voltage 0 2009
8,040,149 Frequency specific closed loop feedback control of integrated circuits 1 2009
8,085,084 System for substrate potential regulation during power-up in integrated circuits 0 2009
8,022,747 System for substrate potential regulation during power-up in integrated circuits 0 2009
8,436,675 Feedback-controlled body-bias voltage source 0 2010
8,193,852 Precise control component for a substrate potential regulation circuit 0 2010
8,420,472 Systems and methods for integrated circuits comprising multiple body biasing domains 0 2010