A computer-implemented method comprises generating computer executable code as one or more code portions; detecting a number of processing operations required to reach one or more predetermined stages in execution of each code portion; and associating with each code portion one or more progress indicators, each representing a respective execution stage of the one or more predetermined stages within execution of that code portion. The code portions are executed by a processor powered by an unpredictable power source. When the processor detects an energy condition indicating that no more than a reserve quantity of electrical energy is available, the progress indicators are used to determine whether or not to perform a checkpoint.

A computer-implemented method comprises generating computer executable code as one or more code portions; detecting a number of processing operations required to reach one or more predetermined stages in execution of each code portion; and associating with each code portion one or more progress indicators, each representing a respective execution stage of the one or more predetermined stages within execution of that code portion. The code portions are executed by a processor powered by an unpredictable power source. When the processor detects an energy condition indicating that no more than a reserve quantity of electrical energy is available, the progress indicators are used to determine whether or not to perform a checkpoint.

Examples of power management apparatuses, computing devices, and methods for disabling a phase of a power supply unit based on a power mode of a computing device are described herein. In an example, upon receiving an indication of the power mode of the computing device from a switching circuit, the power supply unit may disable the phase.

Examples of power management apparatuses, computing devices, and methods for disabling a phase of a power supply unit based on a power mode of a computing device are described herein. In an example, upon receiving an indication of the power mode of the computing device from a switching circuit, the power supply unit may disable the phase.

A data interface sleep and wakeup method includes receiving data information sent by a second electronic device, where the data information includes sleep information, and setting, based on the sleep information, at least one data interface to either a sleep state or a wakeup state.

According to various example embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise: a sensor module; a first communication circuit supporting a first communication scheme; a low-power processor; and a processor operatively connected to the sensor module, the first communication circuit, and the low-power processor, wherein the first communication circuit transmits a request signal related to a state of the electronic device to the low-power processor on the basis of distance measurement-related information provided from the processor, receives information related to the state of the electronic device from the low-power processor in response to the request signal, and measures a distance to an external electronic device on the basis of the information related to the state of the electronic device. Other embodiments may also be possible.

According to various example embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise: a sensor module; a first communication circuit supporting a first communication scheme; a low-power processor; and a processor operatively connected to the sensor module, the first communication circuit, and the low-power processor, wherein the first communication circuit transmits a request signal related to a state of the electronic device to the low-power processor on the basis of distance measurement-related information provided from the processor, receives information related to the state of the electronic device from the low-power processor in response to the request signal, and measures a distance to an external electronic device on the basis of the information related to the state of the electronic device. Other embodiments may also be possible.

A voltage stacked system that includes a stack of near threshold computing (NTC) chips for achieving inter-chip communication with simple wires as interconnections is disclosed. The chips include at least two secondary supply voltages and at least a secondary ground voltage electrically coupled to the stack of the chips arranged in series. The secondary supply and ground voltages are tapped in a predefined sequence at one or more predefined access points in the stack to generate two versions of an internal voltage within each of the chips. Each of the two versions of the internal voltage is a voltage difference between respective supply voltages and ground voltages, and the two have a set voltage shift such that the chips in the stack have supply voltages overlapping with those in the neighboring chips. Optionally, the two voltages are boosted to further higher voltages as needed using charge pumps.

A voltage stacked system that includes a stack of near threshold computing (NTC) chips for achieving inter-chip communication with simple wires as interconnections is disclosed. The chips include at least two secondary supply voltages and at least a secondary ground voltage electrically coupled to the stack of the chips arranged in series. The secondary supply and ground voltages are tapped in a predefined sequence at one or more predefined access points in the stack to generate two versions of an internal voltage within each of the chips. Each of the two versions of the internal voltage is a voltage difference between respective supply voltages and ground voltages, and the two have a set voltage shift such that the chips in the stack have supply voltages overlapping with those in the neighboring chips. Optionally, the two voltages are boosted to further higher voltages as needed using charge pumps.

Computing devices and methods for determining opening and closing of touch sensitive interfaces are disclosed. In one example, a computing device comprises a touch screen display on a first substrate that is rotatably coupled to a second substrate that includes a trackpad. A trackpad identification signal transmitted by the trackpad is received at the touch screen display, and a touch screen identification signal transmitted by the touch screen is received at the trackpad. If the trackpad identification signal matches a trackpad identification key and the touch screen identification signal matches a touch screen identification key, then an energy level of one or both signals is compared to an energy level threshold. Based at least in part on the comparison of the energy level to the threshold, a power state transition is initiated.