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HID power management over the I2C

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This section describes power management for devices that support HID over the I2C transport.

Power management and optimization

Windows 8 introduces a new power model labeled Always On, Always Connected. This model allows slates and PCs to be optimized for power and performance. At the same time,Windows 8is highly optimized for power consumption in situations when the PC is not in use. For example, it conserves power when the screen is turned off either intentionally or as a result of no user activity.

Because HID devices are a primary device class in Windows, they must adhere to this new power model.

Connected standby

Below is a short summary of how devices should behave during the connected standby power state.

Input Source Indicates User Presence in connected standby Processed while in connected standby Device State when System transitions to connected standby
Digitizer No Must not process D3
Mouse Yes Must process, will exit connected standby D0
Keyboard Yes Must process, will exit connected standby D0
Rotation Lock No Must not process D3
Generic Desktop Controls - Volume Up - Volume Down - Channel Down - Channel Up - Fast Forward - Track Forward - Track Back - Play - Pause - Record - Track Stop No Must process D0

For more information about connected standby please refer to the Understanding Connected Standby video.

Supporting connected standby in HID I2C Devices

Devices on the I2C bus are enumerated by the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). As part of the HID-I2C Protocol Specification, power management for HIDI2C devices is supported by the SET_POWER command. This command instructs the device to transition in and out of its lower power mode.

The inbox HIDI2C miniport driver passes along the D-IRP from HIDClass. This allows ACPI to, in turn, power-manage the device.