A frequency modulation method, apparatus, computer program product, and medium

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of frequency modulation technology, and relates to a frequency modulation method, apparatus, computer program product, and medium. The frequency modulation method includes: acquiring a first voltage regulation request from a first unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment needs within the same power domain; frequency modulation of the first unit when the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request is not greater than the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the voltage of the first unit is greater than a preset threshold; acquiring a second voltage regulation request from a second unit within the same power domain; the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request; adjusting the current reference voltage of the power domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, and frequency modulation of the first unit. Voltage adjustment is achieved through hierarchical control. During the voltage adjustment process, based on a hierarchical architecture design, frequency modulation is performed before the voltage adjustment is completed, maximizing the timely response of the first unit to the frequency conversion request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of frequency modulation technology, and in particular, it designs a frequency modulation method, device, computer program product and medium. Background Technology

[0002] A System-on-Chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that integrates a complete electronic system onto a single chip. It is not simply a stacking of functions, but rather a highly integrated design that combines processor cores, memory, peripheral interfaces, power management, analog modules, and other components to form a self-contained microcomputer system. It features high integration, modular design, low power consumption, and high efficiency, and is used in mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive electronics (such as autonomous driving and multi-screen interaction), and consumer electronics (such as smartwatches and TV chips). The SoC chip is the "brain" of modern electronic devices, driving intelligent and portable development through integration and innovation.

[0003] Due to battery capacity limitations, low power consumption has always been a critical requirement for portable electronic devices. Furthermore, with the continuous improvement of chip integration and performance, chip heat dissipation has become a major challenge for the industry, making low-power design increasingly important. In modern SOC design, multi-power domain technology is commonly used for low-power design. Multi-power domain technology divides the internal logic of the chip into multiple power domains, each of which can independently set appropriate voltage values ​​according to the needs of different modules, thereby reducing power consumption while meeting performance requirements. However, with the continuous expansion of system scale and the evolution of low-power design, more and more modules have the application requirement of DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling). This means that even within the same power domain, multiple subsystems or modules may have different voltage or frequency requirements at the same time. To adjust the frequency of a module, for frequency increases, a voltage boost must be performed first, followed by a frequency boost. In other words, a high-frequency, low-voltage mode is not allowed, but a low-frequency, high-voltage mode does not affect stability and is acceptable. It is clear that frequency adjustment and voltage are inextricably linked.

[0004] Given that voltages are identical within the same power domain, the traditional solution for modules or subsystems requiring DVFS (Distributed Voltage Filtering) is to avoid grouping multiple DVFS-demanding modules into the same power domain during design. However, this requires additional power outputs, leading to higher costs. Alternatively, software can resolve voltage resource contention among multiple DVFS-demanding modules, such as using software synchronization mechanisms to ensure each module adjusts its output voltage in the current power domain sequentially according to certain rules and order. However, this approach suffers from delayed frequency and voltage regulation responses from individual modules, impacting performance. Achieving rapid module response to frequency conversion requests is a pressing issue in current technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to achieve fast frequency modulation. Based on this, in a first aspect, this application provides a frequency modulation method, the method comprising:

[0006] Obtain the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements;

[0007] Based on the first voltage regulation request, frequency modulation of the first unit is performed, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation of the first unit is not performed; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation of the first unit is performed, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage;

[0008] Obtain a second voltage regulation request from a second unit within the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request.

[0009] Based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, the current reference voltage of the power domain is adjusted, and the frequency of the first unit is regulated.

[0010] In one possible implementation, after the step of obtaining the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain, the method further includes:

[0011] In the second unit, the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain;

[0012] Based on the second requested voltage, a second voltage regulation request is obtained for the second unit under the same power domain.

[0013] In one possible implementation, adjusting the current reference voltage of the power supply domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain includes:

[0014] Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit;

[0015] If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power domain;

[0016] Determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value. If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage, and update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage.

[0017] If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0019] If the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a frequency modulation device, the device comprising:

[0021] The first voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements;

[0022] The first unit frequency modulation module is used to perform frequency modulation on the first unit based on the first voltage regulation request, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, not performing frequency modulation on the first unit; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, performing frequency modulation on the first unit, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage;

[0023] The second voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the second voltage regulation request of the second unit under the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request.

[0024] The current reference voltage adjustment module is used to adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, and to perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a primary arbitration module for:

[0026] In the second unit, the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain;

[0027] Based on the second requested voltage, a second voltage regulation request is obtained for the second unit under the same power domain.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the current reference voltage adjustment module is specifically used for,

[0029] Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit;

[0030] If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power domain; determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value; if the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage;

[0031] If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes other processing modules configured to: update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage if the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0033] Thirdly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to implement any of the above-mentioned frequency modulation methods.

[0034] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements any of the above-described frequency modulation methods.

[0035] The frequency modulation method provided in this application obtains a first voltage regulation request from a first unit within the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements; based on the first voltage regulation request, frequency modulation is performed on the first unit, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation is not performed on the first unit; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation is performed on the first unit, the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage; obtaining a second voltage regulation request from a second unit within the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request; based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, the current reference voltage of the power domain is adjusted, and frequency modulation is performed on the first unit. It can be seen that this application achieves voltage adjustment through hierarchical control. During the voltage adjustment process, based on the hierarchical architecture design, frequency modulation can be performed before the voltage adjustment is completed, maximizing the timely response of the first unit to the frequency conversion request. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the first frequency modulation method provided in this application embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the second frequency modulation method provided in this application embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the third frequency modulation method provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will be described in detail below through embodiments.

[0041] A System-on-Chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that integrates a complete electronic system onto a single chip. It is not simply a stacking of functions, but rather a highly integrated design that combines processor cores, memory, peripheral interfaces, power management, analog modules, and other components to form a self-contained microcomputer system. It features high integration, modular design, low power consumption, and high efficiency, and is used in mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive electronics (such as autonomous driving and multi-screen interaction), and consumer electronics (such as smartwatches and TV chips). The SoC chip is the "brain" of modern electronic devices, driving intelligent and portable development through integration and innovation.

[0042] Due to battery capacity limitations, low power consumption has always been a critical requirement for portable electronic devices. Furthermore, with the continuous improvement of chip integration and performance, chip heat dissipation has become a major challenge for the industry, making low-power design increasingly important. In modern SOC design, multi-power domain technology is commonly used for low-power design. Multi-power domain technology divides the internal logic of the chip into multiple power domains, each of which can independently set appropriate voltage values ​​according to the needs of different modules, thereby reducing power consumption while meeting performance requirements. However, with the continuous expansion of system scale and the evolution of low-power design, more and more modules have the application requirement of DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling). This means that even within the same power domain, multiple subsystems or modules may have different voltage or frequency requirements at the same time. To adjust the frequency of a module, for frequency increases, a voltage boost must be performed first, followed by a frequency boost. In other words, a high-frequency, low-voltage mode is not allowed, but a low-frequency, high-voltage mode does not affect stability and is acceptable. It is clear that frequency adjustment and voltage are inextricably linked.

[0043] Given that voltages are identical within the same power domain, the traditional solution for modules or subsystems requiring DVFS (Distributed Voltage Filtering) is to avoid grouping multiple DVFS-demanding modules into the same power domain during design. However, this requires additional power outputs, leading to higher costs. Alternatively, software can resolve voltage resource contention among multiple DVFS-demanding modules, such as using software synchronization mechanisms to ensure each module adjusts its output voltage in the current power domain sequentially according to certain rules and order. However, this approach suffers from delayed frequency and voltage regulation responses from individual modules, impacting performance. Achieving rapid module response to frequency conversion requests is a pressing issue in current technology.

[0044] To achieve rapid frequency modulation, firstly, embodiments of this application provide a frequency modulation method, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The method includes:

[0045] S101, Obtain the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain.

[0046] The first unit is a unit that requires dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment.

[0047] In the case where there are different voltage or frequency requirements at the same time within the same power domain, the first voltage regulation request of the first unit within the same power domain is obtained. There can be multiple first units, and each first unit corresponds to a first voltage regulation request.

[0048] S102, based on the first voltage regulation request, the first unit is frequency regulated.

[0049] Because frequency adjustment and voltage are inextricably linked, for frequency increase operations, the voltage must be increased first, then the frequency. In other words, high frequency at low voltage is not allowed, but low frequency at high voltage is permissible. Frequency modulation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage.

[0050] Specifically, the following steps can be taken to achieve frequency modulation of the first unit.

[0051] Step 1: Determine the relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit;

[0052] Step 2: If the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, do not adjust the frequency of the first unit;

[0053] Step 3: If the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, the first unit is frequency-modulated.

[0054] Understandably, if the first unit sends a message requesting a voltage boost through the first voltage adjustment request (i.e., the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage), it indicates that the first current voltage of the first unit is low. Since it does not support high frequency and low voltage, frequency modulation will not be performed on the first unit before boosting its voltage. If the first unit sends a message requesting a voltage buck down through the first voltage adjustment request (i.e., the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage), it indicates that the first current voltage of the first unit is high. Since it supports low frequency and high voltage, frequency modulation can be performed directly on the first unit.

[0055] In this embodiment of the application, by comparing the first voltage regulation request (first requested voltage) of the first unit with the first current voltage of the first unit, if the first requested voltage is less than or equal to the first current voltage, the first unit is directly frequency-converted without waiting for the voltage conversion operation to be completed, which can speed up the response of the first unit to frequency conversion.

[0056] S103, obtain the second voltage regulation request of the second unit under the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request.

[0057] The second unit is a higher-level entity than the first unit. The second unit can include multiple first units. The second voltage regulation request of the second unit can be determined in the following way:

[0058] Step 1: In the second unit, determine the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value, and use it as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain;

[0059] Step 2: Based on the second requested voltage, obtain the second voltage regulation request of the second unit under the same power domain.

[0060] The second requested voltage of the second unit is the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value among the multiple first units it contains. In other words, the second requested voltage of the second unit level has been found, and the largest voltage value in the next level is used as the second requested voltage of the second unit. If voltage regulation is performed according to the second voltage regulation request, the frequency regulation of all first units can be guaranteed because the low-frequency high-voltage mode is supported.

[0061] S104, based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain, adjust the current reference voltage of the power supply domain and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0062] The current reference voltage of the power domain is the actual voltage of this power domain. By comparing the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request with the current reference voltage of the power domain, it is determined whether to adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain and to perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0063] The frequency modulation method provided in this application obtains a first voltage regulation request from a first unit within the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements; based on the first voltage regulation request, frequency modulation is performed on the first unit, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation is not performed on the first unit; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation is performed on the first unit, the frequency modulation operation is performed when the voltage of the first unit is greater than a preset threshold; obtaining a second voltage regulation request from a second unit within the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request; based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, the current reference voltage of the power domain is adjusted, and frequency modulation is performed on the first unit. It can be seen that this application achieves voltage adjustment through hierarchical control. During the voltage adjustment process, based on the hierarchical architecture design, frequency modulation can be performed before the voltage adjustment is completed, maximizing the timely response of the first unit to the frequency conversion request.

[0064] In one possible implementation, step S104 above can be achieved in the following manner:

[0065] S201, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit.

[0066] The second current voltage is the voltage value that the second unit considers to be at its level. Specifically, it is determined based on the first requested voltage with the highest voltage value in the previous request. For example, if the first unit previously requested three voltage values ​​of 3V, 6V, and 9V, and the highest first requested voltage value was 9V, then the second current voltage for the second unit would be 9V. If the first unit requests three voltage values ​​of 2V, 5V, and 7V this time, the second requested voltage would be 7V, and a comparison between 7V and 9V would be needed.

[0067] S202, if the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain; determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value; if the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power supply domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage.

[0068] If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, the first unit frequency needs to be adjusted based on the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain.

[0069] Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain.

[0070] If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain.

[0071] In the current power domain, determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value. If the second requested voltage is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the voltage of the current power domain according to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, and update the current reference voltage of the power domain.

[0072] Since the second requested voltage is selected from the first requested voltages of the first unit, it represents the first requested voltage with the highest voltage value among the included first units. If the second requested voltage is greater than the current reference voltage, it indicates that the voltage of the current power domain is too low to meet the requirement of the second requested voltage. Only by meeting the requirement of the second requested voltage can the requirements of other first requested voltages with even lower voltage values ​​be met. Therefore, it is necessary to select a maximum value from all the current second requested voltages and adjust the voltage of the power domain to that maximum value.

[0073] For a second cell that has the maximum second requested voltage, after updating the current reference voltage, its second current voltage becomes the maximum second requested voltage. For other second cells, their second current voltage is the maximum first requested voltage among the included first cells. For the first cell, its first current voltage is the first requested voltage.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second current voltage of the second unit is updated according to the second requested voltage, and the first current voltage of the first unit is updated according to the first requested voltage, thus determining the comparison object in the subsequent frequency modulation of the first unit and facilitating the subsequent frequency modulation of the first unit.

[0075] S203, if the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value.

[0076] If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is less than or equal to the current reference voltage, it indicates that a low-frequency, high-voltage mode can be achieved within the voltage environment provided by the current power domain. Therefore, the first unit can be directly frequency-modulated. The first current voltage of the first unit is updated according to the first requested voltage, and the second current voltage of the second unit is updated according to the second requested voltage. However, since the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, it indicates that the current power domain needs to be stepped down. Therefore, the current power domain also needs to be voltage-regulated according to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, and the current reference voltage of the power domain needs to be updated.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, the relationship between the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value and the current reference voltage of the power domain is determined to further determine whether to adjust the reference voltage of the current power domain or directly adjust the frequency of the first unit, thus accurately realizing the frequency conversion operation of the first unit.

[0078] S204, if the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0079] If the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage, it indicates that the low-frequency, high-voltage mode is satisfied, and therefore the frequency of the first unit can be directly adjusted. The first current voltage of the first unit is updated according to the first requested voltage, and the second current voltage of the second unit is updated according to the second requested voltage.

[0080] Understandably, if the second unit sends a message requesting a voltage boost via the second voltage regulation request (i.e., the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage), it indicates that the second current voltage of the second unit is low. Since it does not support high frequency and low voltage, frequency modulation will not be performed on the first unit. However, in this case, the second current voltage may not be the true voltage of this power domain. Therefore, it is necessary to further adjust the frequency of the first unit based on the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power domain. If the second unit sends a message requesting a voltage buck down via the second voltage regulation request (i.e., the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage), it indicates that the second current voltage of the second unit is high. Since it supports low frequency and high voltage, frequency modulation can be performed directly on the first unit.

[0081] In this embodiment, by comparing the second requested voltage of the second voltage regulation request with the second current voltage of the second unit, if the second requested voltage is less than or equal to the second current voltage, the first unit is directly frequency-converted without waiting for the voltage conversion operation to be completed, which can speed up the first unit's response to the frequency conversion.

[0082] See Figure 2 This application provides a system architecture diagram. The first unit consists of module 1, module 2, and so on. The second unit consists of subsystem 1, subsystem 2, and subsystem 3, and so on. Subsystem 1 and subsystem 2 belong to the same power domain, while subsystem 3 belongs to another power domain. This scheme employs a hierarchical design within the SOC, dividing the SOC into a bottom-level subsystem level and a top-level management level. It uses a step-by-step arbitration method to determine the maximum value, ultimately sending the optimal reliable voltage within the power domain to the PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) for voltage regulation.

[0083] The bottom terminal system level contains at least one subsystem, and each subsystem includes at least one module. The subsystem performs four steps: parameter calculation, voltage comparison, voltage arbitration, and voltage regulation. The top management level performs three steps: voltage comparison, voltage arbitration, and voltage regulation. The PMIC includes DC-DC (Direct Current to Direct Current Converter) operation or LDO (Low Dropout Regulator) operation.

[0084] The bottom subsystem level controls each subsystem and is primarily responsible for collecting the frequency conversion and voltage transformation requirements of each module within the subsystem. It arbitrates a suitable voltage and sends it to the top management level for further processing. At the same time, it adjusts the internal module frequency in a timely manner based on the voltage status. The top management level controls each power domain and is primarily responsible for collecting the voltage transformation requirements of all subsystems under this power domain. It then arbitrates the optimal voltage again as the final target voltage for this power domain and sends it to the PMIC to complete the specific voltage regulation. At the same time, it provides timely feedback to each subsystem based on the voltage status.

[0085] The four steps that are performed within the subsystem are parameter calculation, voltage comparison, voltage arbitration, and voltage regulation. Figure 3 The specific processing flow at the Bottom terminal system level is shown:

[0086] First, there's the parameter calculation section, completed by the parameter calculation unit. This unit converts the module's frequency requirements into corresponding target frequency and target voltage information; then, a new frequency modulation request is sent to the parameter calculation unit. The frequency conversion response section receives the target frequency and performs frequency conversion response accordingly.

[0087] Next is the voltage comparison section, performed by the voltage comparison unit. This unit compares the target voltage with the module's current voltage (i.e., the first current voltage). If the target voltage and the current voltage are inconsistent, the target voltage must be sent to the voltage arbitration unit for arbitration. Specifically, if the target voltage is less than or equal to the current voltage and the voltage regulation module is idle, the module is allowed to directly convert its frequency. If the target voltage is greater than the current voltage, the module must wait for the voltage regulation unit to update the current voltage (i.e., the first current voltage) and return to an idle state before conversion is allowed. The frequency conversion response changes according to the signal indicating that frequency conversion is permitted.

[0088] Next is the voltage arbitration section, which is completed by the voltage arbitration unit. The voltage arbitration unit collects all target voltages in the synchronous subsystem, arbitrates the maximum voltage, and sends it to the voltage regulation processing unit that performs the voltage regulation process.

[0089] Finally, the voltage regulation processing part is completed by the voltage regulation processing unit. The voltage regulation processing unit only receives the voltage regulation request (including the final target voltage) from the voltage arbitration unit when it is idle, sends it to the Top management module for secondary arbitration, and waits for the voltage regulation completion feedback from the Top management module before updating the current voltage (i.e., the first current voltage) and returning to the idle state. During the waiting period, it is in a busy state.

[0090] The Top management module also includes a voltage comparison unit, a voltage arbitration unit, and a voltage regulation processing unit. Their functions are roughly similar to those of the subsystems, addressing the three steps of voltage comparison, voltage arbitration, and voltage regulation processing that are common within the Top management module. Figure 4 The top-level management workflow is shown below:

[0091] First, there's the voltage comparison section, handled by the voltage comparison unit. This unit receives the target voltage after the subsystem's first-level arbitration (the subsystem sends a new voltage regulation request to the voltage comparison unit) and compares it with the current voltage at the top (i.e., the second current voltage). If the target voltage and the current voltage are inconsistent, the request must be sent to the voltage arbitration unit. Specifically, if the subsystem's target voltage is less than or equal to the current voltage at the top and the voltage regulation processing module is idle, a voltage regulation completion signal is directly fed back to the subsystem, allowing the subsystem to respond to the frequency converter ahead of time. If the subsystem's target voltage is greater than the current voltage at the top, the voltage regulation processing unit must update the current voltage (i.e., the second current voltage) and return to an idle state before feeding back the voltage regulation completion signal to the subsystem.

[0092] Next is the voltage arbitration section, which is completed by the voltage arbitration unit. The voltage arbitration unit is used to collect the target voltages of all subsystems under the synchronous common power domain, arbitrate the maximum voltage, and send it to the voltage regulation processing unit.

[0093] Finally, the voltage regulation processing section is completed by the voltage regulation processing unit. The voltage regulation processing unit only receives the voltage regulation request (including the final target voltage) from the voltage arbitration unit when it is idle, sends it to the PMIC to complete the specific voltage regulation, waits for the PMIC to complete the voltage regulation, updates the current voltage at the top, and then returns to the idle state. During the waiting period, it is in a busy state.

[0094] The following example helps to better understand the above process: Within the same power domain, there are two subsystems: Subsystem 1 and Subsystem 2. Subsystem 1 includes Module 1 and Module 2, and Subsystem 2 includes Module 1. The current power domain voltage is 10V. Module 1 in Subsystem 1 requests 5V, and Module 2 requests 15V; Module 1 in Subsystem 2 requests 12V. For the 5V request, Module 1 in Subsystem 1 can directly respond to the frequency converter without waiting for voltage adjustment to complete. After the first arbitration, Subsystem 1 requests 15V, and Subsystem 2 requests 12V. Because both 15V and 12V are greater than the current power domain voltage of 10V, the voltage value after the second arbitration is 15V. The PMIC will adjust the power domain voltage according to 15V. After the adjustment, the 15V requested by Subsystem 1 is retained, the 12V requested by Subsystem 2 is retained, the 5V requested by Module 1 in Subsystem 1 is retained, the 15V requested by Module 2 is retained, and the 12V requested by Module 1 in Subsystem 2 is retained. At this point, if module 1 in subsystem 1 requests 8V, module 2 requests 14V, and module 1 in subsystem 2 requests 14V, since the voltages of module 1 (8V) and module 2 (14V) in subsystem 1 are both less than the 15V voltage of subsystem 1, all modules in the subsystem can respond to the frequency conversion in advance. Furthermore, the voltage requested by subsystem 1 is updated to 14V, the voltage requested by module 1 in subsystem 1 is updated to 8V, and the voltage requested by module 2 is updated to 14V. Module 1 of subsystem 2 requests a 14V voltage, which is greater than the 12V voltage of subsystem 2. Further comparison of the relationship between the 14V voltage and the actual voltage of the power domain is needed. Based on the 14V voltage requested by subsystem 1 and the 14V voltage requested by subsystem 2, the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined to be 14V. It is found that it is less than the actual voltage of the power domain, 15V. Therefore, module 1 in subsystem 2 can directly respond to the frequency conversion. At the same time, the voltage requested by module 1 of subsystem 2 is updated to 14V, and the voltage of the current power domain is adjusted according to the 14V voltage, updating the current reference voltage of the power domain to 14V, thereby realizing the step-down of the power domain from 15V to 14V.

[0095] The solution provided in this application can be used in all terminal products that employ multi-power domain low-power technology and have multiple subsystems or devices requiring dynamic voltage adjustment, such as mobile phones, tablets, POS (Point of Sale) machines, and adult watches. These terminal products have high requirements for power consumption, performance, and cost. By applying the solution provided by this invention, efficient management of multiple power domains can be achieved, resolving the competition and conflict issues between different modules within the same power domain, and enabling each module to respond promptly to frequency conversion.

[0096] Secondly, this application provides a frequency modulation device, comprising:

[0097] The first voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements;

[0098] The first unit frequency modulation module is used to perform frequency modulation on the first unit based on the first voltage regulation request, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, not performing frequency modulation on the first unit; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, performing frequency modulation on the first unit, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage;

[0099] The second voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the second voltage regulation request of the second unit under the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request.

[0100] The current reference voltage adjustment module is used to adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, and to perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a primary arbitration module for:

[0102] In the second unit, the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain;

[0103] Based on the second requested voltage, a second voltage regulation request is obtained for the second unit under the same power domain.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the current reference voltage adjustment module is specifically used for,

[0105] Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit;

[0106] If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power domain; determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value; if the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage;

[0107] If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes other processing modules configured to: update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage if the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

[0109] Thirdly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to implement any of the above-mentioned frequency modulation methods.

[0110] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements any of the above-described frequency modulation methods.

[0111] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frequency modulation method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements; Based on the first voltage regulation request, frequency modulation of the first unit is performed, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation of the first unit is not performed; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, frequency modulation of the first unit is performed, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage; Obtain a second voltage regulation request from a second unit within the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request. Based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, the current reference voltage of the power domain is adjusted, and the frequency of the first unit is regulated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of obtaining the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain, the method further includes: In the second unit, the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain; Based on the second requested voltage, a second voltage regulation request is obtained for the second unit under the same power domain.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the current reference voltage of the power domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain includes: Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit; If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power domain; Determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value. If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage, and update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage. If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage, update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage; update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; and perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

5. A frequency modulation device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the first voltage regulation request of the first unit under the same power domain; the first unit is a unit with dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment requirements; The first unit frequency modulation module is used to perform frequency modulation on the first unit based on the first voltage regulation request, including: determining the magnitude relationship between the first requested voltage corresponding to the first voltage regulation request and the first current voltage corresponding to the first unit; if the first requested voltage is greater than the first current voltage, not performing frequency modulation on the first unit; if the first requested voltage is not greater than the first current voltage, performing frequency modulation on the first unit, wherein the frequency modulation operation is performed when the first current voltage of the first unit is greater than or equal to the first requested voltage; The second voltage regulation request acquisition module is used to acquire the second voltage regulation request of the second unit under the same power domain; the second unit includes at least one first unit, and the voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request of the second unit is the maximum voltage value corresponding to the first voltage regulation request. The current reference voltage adjustment module is used to adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain based on the maximum voltage value corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the current reference voltage of the power domain, and to perform frequency modulation on the first unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device also includes a primary arbitration module for: In the second unit, the first requested voltage with the largest voltage value is determined as the second requested voltage of the second unit under the same power domain; Based on the second requested voltage, a second voltage regulation request is obtained for the second unit under the same power domain.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The current reference voltage adjustment module is specifically used for, Determine the relationship between the second requested voltage corresponding to the second voltage regulation request and the second current voltage corresponding to the second unit; If the second requested voltage is greater than the second current voltage, determine the relationship between the second requested voltage and the current reference voltage of the power supply domain; Determine the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value. If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is greater than the current reference voltage, adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value, and update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage. Update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; If the second requested voltage with the largest voltage value is not greater than the current reference voltage, the second current voltage of the second unit is updated to the second requested voltage; Update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; Adjust the current reference voltage of the power domain to the second requested voltage, which has the largest voltage value.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes other processing modules, used to update the second current voltage of the second unit to the second requested voltage if the second requested voltage is not greater than the second current voltage; Update the first current voltage of the first unit to the first requested voltage; The frequency of the first unit is tuned.

9. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1-4.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of claims 1-4.

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