Atomic Clock and Voltage Scaling for Low-Latency Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in switching between frequency-voltage modes with high latency, leading to impaired performance and increased power consumption during transitions between high-power and low-power modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resource power manager module that controls a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), phase-locked loops (PLLs), and clock dividers, enabling concurrent control of multiple clock divider modules to switch between frequency-voltage modes as an atomic operation, reducing latency and improving system performance and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential control of clock divider modules is used, then individual modules can be switched between frequency-voltage modes, but the transition latency increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple clock divider modules into a single atomic operation controlled by the resource power manager. Instead of sequentially switching each module individually, the controller simultaneously updates all clock divider modules with the new frequency-voltage mode parameters, reducing transition latency and maintaining system performance.
2Speed
If concurrent control of multiple clock divider modules is implemented, then mode transition latency is reduced, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resource power manager is designed as a universal controller that can simultaneously manage multiple clock divider modules and power management functions. This multi-functional controller consolidates the complexity into a single dedicated unit, allowing concurrent control of multiple modules without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If atomic operation for mode switching is implemented, then partial mode changes are eliminated, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resource power manager prepares and issues all necessary control signals for the frequency-voltage mode transition in advance, before the actual switching occurs. By pre-coordinating the control signals for all clock divider modules, the system ensures atomic mode switching without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms during the transition itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamic clock and voltage scaling can switch integrated circuits between frequency-voltage modes with low latency. These systems include a resource power manager that can control a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), phase locked loops (PLLs), and clock dividers. The resource power manager controls transitions between frequency-voltage modes. The systems and methods provide dynamic clock and voltage scaling where the transitions between frequency-voltage modes are an atomic operation. Additionally, the resource power manager can control many modules, for example, clock dividers, in parallel. The invention can, due to lower latency between frequency-voltage modes, can provide improved system performance and reduced system power.