System and method for operating components of an integrated circuit at independent frequencies and/or voltages

Abstract

Multiple logic cores (120) of integrated circuits and processors may be configured to operate at frequencies and voltages independently of each other. Additionally, other components, such as a common bridge (110) configured to interface with the logic cores, may operate at a voltage and frequency independent of the voltage and frequency at which the logic cores are operating. The operating frequency and / or voltage of a logic core may be independently adjusted for various reasons, including power management and temperature control. Logic circuitry at an interface between the controller and the logic cores may translate logic signals from one voltage and / or frequency to another to enable communication between the bridge and the logic core when the two are operating at different voltages and / or frequencies.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of integrated circuits, and more particularly to the operation and communication between components in integrated circuits operating at independent frequencies and / or voltages. Background technique [0002] The adjustment of the operating voltage of the integrated circuit (IC), such as a microprocessor, can usually be performed by a circuit on the motherboard outside the integrated circuit (IC) such as a microprocessor, in part because it requires a large capacitance value, which may occupy the integrated circuit die. over a large area. Power at the output voltage level of the voltage regulator can be supplied via several package pins to the internal circuitry of the processor core including the integrated circuit. This is done in part to reduce the current handling requirements of any particular pin and / or line to the internal circuitry. In general, power supply lines can be connected internally so that the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While this mechanism can help protect user data, it can also cause problems in situations where the temperature drifts between the two trip points without actually reaching the power-off point

In either case, once the power-off threshold has been reached, users cannot use their systems until they have had sufficient time to cool down and be able to restart

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