Powerefficient

Powerefficient, typically written as power-efficient, describes devices, systems, or software that deliver required performance while using relatively little electrical power. The concept spans consumer electronics, computing, data centers, and industrial equipment, and it encompasses design choices, software practices, and operational strategies intended to reduce energy use without compromising function or quality of service.

Key techniques include hardware design choices such as low-power processors, energy-efficient peripherals, and high-efficiency voltage regulators; and software strategies like event-driven programming, idle state optimization, and dynamic power management. Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), clock gating, and power gating reduce energy usage during low-demand periods, while wake-up control minimizes activity during idle times. In addition, optimized cooling and thermal management help maintain performance per watt.

Measures of power efficiency include energy per operation or performance per watt. In data centers, metrics like PUE (power usage effectiveness) assess facility efficiency, while server-specific benchmarks (e.g., SPECpower) gauge energy efficiency under load. For power supplies, standards such as 80 PLUS certify efficiency, and consumer devices may pursue Energy Star or similar programs.

Applications range from mobile devices and laptops that extend battery life to servers that reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Trade-offs can include higher upfront cost, design complexity, reduced peak performance, or longer latency when waking from low-power states. As devices proliferate and energy costs rise, powerefficient design remains a central objective in engineering and product development.