Frequency-voltage mechanism for power management and its control method

Abstract

A frequency-voltage mechanism for power management including first and second PLLs, select logic, control logic, and voltage control logic. The first PLL generates a first source clock signal at a first frequency based on a bus clock signal. The second PLL generates a second source clock signal at a second frequency based on a first frequency control signal and the bus clock signal. The select logic selects between the first and second source clock signals to provide a core clock signal based on a select signal. The clock control logic detects power conditions via at least one power sense signal, provides the first frequency control signal according to power conditions, and provides the select signal. The voltage control logic adjusts the operating voltage commensurate with frequency of the core clock signal. Power consumption is dynamically adjusted without undue delay while providing significant power efficiency benefits.

Description

[0001] Cross-References to Related Applications [0002] Claim of priority to this application is based on the U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 60 / 530323, filed 12 / 17 / 2003; also based on U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 816004, filed 04 / 01 / 2004 . [0003] This application is related to the following co-pending US patent applications, all having the same filing date, applicant and at least one common inventor, and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0004] Application number Date of Application name 10 / 816020 2004 / 4 / 1 INSTANTANEOUS FREQUENCY-BASED MICRO PROCESSOR POWER MANAGEMENT Instantaneous Frequency-Based Microprocessor Power Management technical field [0005] The present invention relates to microprocessor power management, and more particularly to proposing to dynamically adjust power consumption of Apparatus and method for dissipating power. Background technique [0006] Power cons...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, existing frequency modulation techniques can adversely affect overall performance

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