ASIC Receive Buffer Power Management via Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face challenges in power consumption and thermal management as they continue to process information at faster rates, necessitating efficient methods to manage power usage without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the temperature of an ASIC in a network device is monitored and used to dynamically adjust the power state of receive buffers, switching to an active state when temperature is below a threshold and to a reduced power state when it exceeds the threshold, while adjusting flow control to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If receive buffers are kept in active state to ensure data storage capacity, then data handling capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the receive buffer power state changeable between active and reduced power states based on temperature conditions. The buffer transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that adapts to thermal conditions, allowing the system to optimize between performance and power consumption based on real-time temperature feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power state parameter of the receive buffer based on temperature thresholds. When temperature is below a first threshold, the buffer operates in active state with full power. When temperature exceeds the first threshold but remains below a second threshold, the buffer transitions to reduced power state, thereby changing operational parameters to balance performance and thermal management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If receive buffers are placed in reduced power state to reduce energy expenditure, then power consumption is reduced, but data storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors temperature and buffer state. When temperature drops below the second threshold, the system detects this condition and automatically transitions the buffer from reduced power state back to active state, ensuring data storage capability is restored when thermal conditions permit. This feedback loop prevents permanent loss of functionality while maintaining power savings during appropriate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by proactively transitioning buffers to reduced power state before thermal conditions become critical, based on predictive temperature monitoring. This allows the system to prepare for potential thermal issues by reducing power consumption in advance, while the feedback mechanism ensures readiness to restore full functionality when conditions improve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow control credit is decreased to manage buffer state transitions, then power management flexibility is improved, but network throughput may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics to flow control credit allocation, making it variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts credit values based on buffer power state: higher credits are allocated when buffers are in active state to maximize throughput, while lower credits are allocated when buffers are in reduced power state to manage power consumption. This dynamic credit allocation allows the system to adapt network performance characteristics to match current power management goals.
Data Source
AI summary
Machine-implemented method for a network device is provided. A temperature (T) of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for the network device is compared with a first threshold value. A receive buffer for the network device is placed in an active state, when T is below the first threshold value, and then increasing available credit to store information at the receive buffer. T is also compared with a second threshold value and when T has reached or exceeded the second threshold value, one or more receive buffers are placed in a reduced power state when one or more receive buffers are not currently storing any information.