1. Technical Field
Embodiments generally relate to media systems. More particularly, embodiments relate to power management of audio accelerators.
2. Discussion
In conventional mobile computing platforms, audio accelerators may be used to reduce the computing load on a CPU (central processing unit) by conducting certain audio-specific functions such as decoding audio formats and post-processing audio streams. During periods of inactivity (e.g., in response to the user halting audio playback), a device driver running on the CPU may place the audio accelerator into a suspend mode in order to conserve power. The process of suspending the audio accelerator and resuming the audio accelerator to the active mode, however, may involve time intensive state restoration operations. In particular, these operations may be considered “heavyweight” in that they could lead to audio response latencies that are noticeable to the user and additional processing overhead that increases power consumption and reduces battery life.