Adaptive Voltage Scaling With Frequency Feedback for Processor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in controlling the frequency and supply power of clock signals for processors to match operation requirements while minimizing power consumption, leading to potential failure or excessive power usage.
Innovation Solution
A voltage scaling system comprising an oscillator, power management unit, frequency meter, table unit, and control unit dynamically adjusts the power signal and code to match target frequencies, incorporating feedback loops and temperature/operation voltage measurements to optimize clock signal frequency and supply voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frequency of clock signal is increased to meet performance requirements, then the processing speed is improved, but the power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) that continuously monitors processor workload and adjusts clock frequency and supply voltage in real-time. The system transitions from static high-frequency operation to adaptive dynamic control, matching performance to actual computational demands and reducing power consumption during low-utilization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (voltage and frequency) based on measured workload conditions. By monitoring performance metrics and adjusting voltage/frequency combinations, the system optimizes the balance between processing speed and power consumption, selecting appropriate operating points from multiple available states.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply power is reduced to decrease power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the oscillator fails to provide sufficient clock signal frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors clock signal frequency and processor performance, then adjusts supply voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that voltage is reduced only when performance requirements are still met, preventing frequency degradation while optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts supply voltage based on real-time performance monitoring, transitioning from static high-voltage operation to adaptive voltage scaling. This allows the system to operate at lower voltages when full performance is not required, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient clock frequency through intelligent control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the frequency of clock signal is decreased to reduce power consumption, then the energy usage is reduced, but the processor fails to maintain safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from performance monitors and error detection mechanisms to ensure that frequency reduction does not compromise processor reliability. When performance degradation or errors are detected, the system increases frequency back to safe operating levels, maintaining reliability while optimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements safety margins and monitoring mechanisms that detect performance degradation before it leads to failures. By anticipating potential reliability issues through continuous monitoring, the system can adjust frequency proactively to maintain safe operation while still achieving power savings during normal conditions.
4Reliability
If the supply voltage is increased to ensure reliable operation, then the system stability is improved, but the power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static high-voltage operation to dynamic voltage scaling that adjusts supply voltage based on actual system requirements and environmental conditions. By monitoring temperature, workload, and performance metrics, the system maintains reliable operation at the lowest necessary voltage level, reducing power consumption while ensuring stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes supply voltage parameters dynamically based on measured conditions, selecting from multiple voltage states to match actual operational requirements. This allows the system to operate at lower voltages during normal conditions to reduce power consumption while switching to higher voltages when reliability and stability are critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage scaling system can include an oscillator, a power management unit, a frequency meter, a table unit and a control unit. The oscillator is used to generate a clock signal according to a code and a power signal. The power management unit is used to generate the power signal according to a first control signal corresponding to a requested voltage. The frequency meter is used to measure a frequency of the clock signal and generate a second control signal accordingly. The table unit is used to generate a minimum code. The control unit is used to generate the code and the first control signal according to the second control signal, the minimum code and a target frequency.