ASIC Power Control Using Buffer-Driven Supply 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, leading to high energy costs and potential device damage.

Innovation Solution

A power saving system and method that utilizes a controller to generate a control signal based on buffer levels or data conditions, allowing the processing unit to switch between different power sources with varying consumption levels, optimizing power usage and reducing heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional dynamic variable power-supply systems are used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced to some extent, but the reduction is inadequate and heat dissipation management remains ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidheat dissipation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by switching between multiple power sources (first power source and second power source) based on real-time buffer level conditions. The processing unit dynamically selects which power source to use, making the power supply system adaptive to varying workload conditions, thereby achieving both power consumption reduction and effective heat dissipation management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power consumption parameters by selecting different power sources with different consumption characteristics. When buffer levels indicate low workload, the system switches to a lower power consumption mode, effectively adjusting the power parameter to match actual processing needs and reducing unnecessary energy expenditure and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If high power consumption is used to maintain processing speed, then processing performance is maintained, but energy costs increase and heat generation becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts processing speed by selecting different power sources based on buffer level conditions. When buffers are full or near-full, the system uses higher power consumption to maintain high processing speed. When buffers are empty or low, the system reduces power consumption accordingly, creating a dynamic balance between speed and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring buffer levels (first buffer level and second buffer level) and using this information to control power source selection. This feedback loop ensures that processing speed and power consumption are tightly coupled to actual workload demands, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure when processing demand is low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple power sources are implemented for dynamic power adjustment, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into distinct first and second power sources, each with specific consumption characteristics. This segmentation allows independent control and selection of power sources based on workload conditions, improving power efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors buffer levels, determines workload conditions, selects appropriate power sources, and controls power distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a single universal controller, improving power efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7814344B2System and method for power control for ASIC device
Publication Date: 2010.10.12 SEMICON MFG INT (SHANGHAI) CORP
  • US7814344B2 patent drawing
  • US7814344B2 patent drawing
  • US7814344B2 patent drawing

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 ASIC device. The system includes a first buffer. The first buffer is configured to receive and store data. The system also includes a controller that is configured to generate a control signal. The controller is coupled to the first buffer. The system additionally includes a processing unit coupled to the first buffer. The processing unit includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source is different from the second power source. The processing unit is configured to receive the control signal from the controller. Additionally, the system includes a second buffer coupled to the processing unit. The second buffer is configured to receive and store processed data.