Data path controller with integrated power management to manage power consumption of a computing device and its components

Abstract

A data path controller, a computer device, an apparatus and a method are disclosed for integrating power management functions into a data path controller to manage power consumed by processors and peripheral devices. By embedding power management within the data path controller, the data path controller can advantageously modify its criteria in-situ so that it can adapt its power management actions in response to changes in processors and peripheral devices. In addition, the data path controller includes a power-managing interface that provides power-monitoring ports for monitoring and/or quantifying power consumption of various components. In one embodiment, the data path controller includes a power-monitoring interface for selectably monitoring power of a component. It also includes a controller for adjusting operational characteristics of the component for modifying the power consumed by the component to comply with a performance profile, which generally specifies permissible power consumption levels for the component.