ASIC Power Control via Dynamic Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-saving techniques for ASIC devices, such as dynamic variable power-supply systems, are often inadequate in reducing power consumption and managing heat dissipation effectively, especially as device sizes shrink and complexity increases.
Innovation Solution
A power-saving system and method that includes a controller and power supply component capable of adjusting voltage levels based on buffer fullness and data transfer rates, allowing for flexible power control by switching between different voltage sources to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional dynamic variable power-supply systems are used, then power consumption is reduced to some extent, but power consumption cannot be effectively controlled and heat dissipation management is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control by switching between multiple voltage sources (first voltage source and second voltage source) based on buffer fullness conditions. The system dynamically adjusts power supply voltage levels rather than using a fixed supply, enabling effective power consumption control and heat dissipation management while maintaining reliability through condition-based switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter (voltage level) based on buffer fullness measurements. When buffer fullness exceeds a threshold, the system switches to the first voltage source; otherwise, it uses the second voltage source. This parameter change approach enables effective power control and resolves the contradiction between power reduction and control reliability.
2Productivity
If device feature size is reduced to increase circuit density, then more devices can be fabricated on each wafer, but power consumption increases and heat dissipation becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage levels to different operational states of the processing unit. Instead of uniform power supply, the system provides first voltage when buffer is full and second voltage when buffer is not full, creating localized quality differences in power delivery that reduce overall power consumption while maintaining high circuit density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply based on real-time buffer fullness conditions, enabling the high-density circuit to consume less power during low-demand periods while maintaining performance during high-demand periods, thus resolving the contradiction between circuit density and power consumption.
3Speed
If processing unit operates at high voltage for performance, then data processing speed increases, but power consumption and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first voltage (higher) and second voltage (lower) based on buffer fullness conditions. When buffer is full, high voltage provides maximum processing speed; when buffer is not full, lower voltage reduces power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between processing speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic voltage switching based on buffer fullness cycles. The processing unit alternates between high-voltage operation (when needed for speed) and low-voltage operation (when buffer is not full), creating a periodic action pattern that balances performance and power consumption requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for power control for ASIC device is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a system for adjusting power consumption of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) device. The system includes a first buffer that is configured to receive and store data. For example, the first buffer can be characterized by a first buffer level. The method also includes a controller configured to generate a control signal. According to an embodiment, the controller is coupled to the first buffer. The system additionally includes a power supply component, which is configured to receive the control signal and to provide at least at a first voltage and a second voltage. For example, the first voltage and the second voltage are different. The system further includes a processing unit coupled to the first buffer, the processing unit further being configured to receive the data from the first buffer and to process the data, the processing unit being electrically coupled to the power supply component.