Thermal stress relief with power management [desktop computer systems]

Author

Gianni, Robert ; Van der Linden, Peter ; Arreola, Oscar ; Chen, Hui-Mei ; Goyal, Sudershan ; Marks, James ; Nowshadi, Saeed ; Whatley, Terry

Author_Institution

Sun Microsyst. Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA

fYear

1997

fDate

5-7 May 1997

Firstpage

215

Lastpage

217

Abstract

This paper considers the impact of the EPA´s Energy Star energy-saving guidelines on the reliability and life of desktop computer systems. Energy Star compliance results in an increase in daily power up/down cycles. The consequent thermal shock and mechanical stresses on the system can adversely affect its life. Predictive models estimate that the cumulative effect depends on the frequency and magnitude of these power transitions, and can halve the life of a computer system. We review the Energy Star requirements, their implications for system life, and suggest a practical approach to maintain product reliability

Keywords

fault tolerant computing; microcomputers; reliability; thermal stresses; Energy Star compliance; Energy Star energy-saving guidelines; computer system life; desktop computer systems; mechanical stresses; power management; power transitions; predictive models; reliability; thermal shock; thermal stress relief; Electric shock; Energy management; Frequency estimation; Guidelines; Life estimation; Power system management; Power system reliability; Predictive models; Thermal management; Thermal stresses;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Electronics and the Environment, 1997. ISEE-1997., Proceedings of the 1997 IEEE International Symposium on

Conference_Location

San Francisco, CA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3808-1

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ISEE.1997.605320

Filename

605320