Dynamic performance adjustment of computation means

Abstract

A dynamic performance circuit adjustment system and method that flexibly adjusts the performance of a logic circuit. The dynamic performance circuit adjustment system and method facilitates flexible power conservation. In one exemplary implementation, a dynamic performance adjustment control circuit controls performance adjustments to a logic circuit (e.g., a processor) and adjusts support functions for the logic circuit. The logic circuit performs operational functions (e.g., processing) or tasks that have different performance requirements. For example, some tasks performed by the logic circuit are required to be performed in a relatively short duration of time and other tasks performed by logic circuit have relatively longer time limitations. The dynamic performance adjustment control circuit adjusts the clock frequency and voltage at which the logic circuit operates to a relatively greater frequency and voltage for tasks required to be performed in a shorter duration of time and adjusts the frequency and voltage at which the logic circuit operates to a relatively lower frequency and voltage for tasks with longer timing tolerances. The dynamic performance adjustment system and method includes provisions to manage a transition in performance and support functions in a manner that reduces the risk of spurious signals or “glitches.”

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to the field of computer performance maximization. More particularly, the present invention relates to managing processor performance in a handheld computer with a flexible control system and method that is dynamically adaptable to achieve conservation of limited energy and power resources.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]Electronic systems and circuits have made a significant contribution towards the advancement of modern society and are utilized in a number of applications to achieve advantageous results. Numerous electronic technologies such as digital computers, calculators, audio devices, video equipment, and telephone systems facilitate increased productivity and cost reduction in analyzing and communicating data, ideas and trends in most areas of business, science, education and entertainment. Typically, electronic systems designed to produce these results consume power and energy resources for th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention is a dynamic performance adjustment system and method that flexibly adjusts the clock frequency and the voltage of a functional circuit to adjust its performance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic performance adjustment system and method facilitates flexible power conservation. In one exemplary implementation of the present invention, a dynamic performance adjustment control circuit controls performance adjustments to a logic circuit (e.g., a processor) and adjusts support functions (e.g., power supply) for the logic circuit. The logic circuit performs operational functions (e.g., processing) or tasks that have different performance requirements. For example, some tasks performed by the logic circuit are required to be performed in a relatively short duration and other tasks performed by logic circuit have relatively longer time limitations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic performance adjustment control circuit adjusts the frequency and voltage at which the logic circuit operates to a relatively greater frequency and voltage for tasks required to be performed in a shorter duration of time, and adjusts the frequency and voltage at which the logic circuit operates to a relatively lower frequency and voltage for tasks with longer timing tolerances. In one embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic performance adjustment system and method includes provisions to manage a transition in performance and support functions in a manner that reduces the risk of spurious signals or “glitches.”

Problems solved by technology

For example, some tasks performed by the logic circuit are required to be performed in a relatively short duration and other tasks performed by logic circuit have relatively longer time limitations.

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