Implementing Low Power Mode in Set Top Boxes STB International Stakeholder Meeting San Francisco,...
Transcript of Implementing Low Power Mode in Set Top Boxes STB International Stakeholder Meeting San Francisco,...
Implementing Low Power Mode in Set Top Boxes
STB International Stakeholder Meeting
San Francisco, California
Suzanne Foster
Ecos Consulting
970.259.6801 x 302
Possible Design Changes to Make Low Power Mode Possible
• Hardware enabling shut down of non critical systems– Hardware build so that circuits not in use can be powered
down and then “wake” easily and quickly when needed for service
– Analogous to “sleep” technology developed by Intel and others in PC world, sold in virtually all PCs on shelves today
– Memory solutions already found in desktops could store program guide, etc. when in low power mode
• Hardware reducing power use, regardless of mode – “Power partitioning” chips – Power supply
Base system: 1024 MB DDRI, nVIDIA GeFORCE 4 MX 440 video card, 80 GB HD, DVD/CD-RW, stock power supply
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Athlon 64 3000+
Athlon 64 3500+
Athlon 64 3800+
Athlon 64 4000+
Athlon FX-53
Athlon FX-55
System Idle State Power (AC watts)
Base system
+ Cool 'n Quiet
Power Partitioning Chips Save Energy in Desktops
Power Supply Possible Near Term Solution
Efficiencies between 68% and 82% measured, 85% efficiency achievable today
Possible Design Changes to Make Low Power Mode Possible (cont.)
• Software changes to accommodate low power mode– “Energy Saver” DVR options that allow hard drives to
spin down if customer chooses not to record material
• Communication protocols – enable proper security and downloads of content to
customer from head end– communication among multiple STBs in one home
Goal: Energy Savings in Customer’s Homes
• Possible for low power mode to be technically achievable and measurable in the lab, but not implemented in the field
• Reasons for this could include:– Needs of the service provider not fully taken into account when
designing system, so low power mode is disabled in field– Customer dissatisfaction with solution
• Lack of transparency to user• Customer misunderstands important environmental impact and
associated energy bill savings
– Poor communication protocols between head end and box and among boxes
Test Method Implications
• IEC 62087 currently measures static power values for defined modes
• Alternate approach: measurement of STB energy over 24 hour period with standard duty cycle, allowing box to fall into low power as it would in the home
• Other considerations:– Easy to conduct– Reproducible– Robust– Representative
Discussion