Auxiliary Processor Determines CPU Minimum Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the minimum working voltage of a CPU in terminals are inaccurate due to errors in statistical models, calibration, and aging, leading to increased testing time and costs, and do not account for varying environments and CPU performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A method where an auxiliary processor determines the minimum working voltage of a CPU during the switch-on process, adjusting voltage levels to ensure normal operation, and records temperature compensation, reducing testing time and costs while improving precision and accounting for CPU aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If statistical model calibration is used to determine minimum working voltage, then mass production efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to model errors and aging factors
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device itself performs the voltage measurement function using its auxiliary processor, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment. The auxiliary processor autonomously determines the minimum working voltage of the main processor through self-testing mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between production efficiency and measurement precision by making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
An auxiliary processor is introduced as an intermediary component to perform voltage measurement tasks. This mediator enables accurate voltage determination without requiring external testing equipment, allowing the system to maintain both high production efficiency and precise measurement capabilities simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If each CPU is tested individually in mass production machine, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended testing duration
Solution Approach 1:
Each CPU determines its own minimum working voltage through self-testing mechanisms implemented in the terminal device. This eliminates the need for time-consuming external testing of each individual CPU, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining measurement precision through the device's autonomous measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage measurement function is extracted from the main processor and performed by an auxiliary processor during system initialization. This separation allows voltage determination to occur independently without interfering with the main CPU's operational testing, thereby reducing overall testing time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If margin is added in advance for aging and calibration errors, then reliability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to higher voltage settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the minimum working voltage of the CPU based on its actual state and environmental conditions rather than using a fixed conservative margin. The auxiliary processor performs real-time voltage measurements and adjusts the operating voltage accordingly, allowing the system to maintain reliability while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary voltage headroom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the auxiliary processor continuously monitors CPU performance and adjusts voltage settings based on actual operating conditions. This feedback loop ensures that the CPU operates at the minimum necessary voltage for reliable performance, eliminating the need for excessive margin-based voltage settings and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to a method for determining a voltage of a processor of a terminal, and a terminal. The terminal includes a CPU and an auxiliary processor. The method includes: in a switch-on process of the terminal, after completing system initialization, determining, by the auxiliary processor, a minimum working voltage of the CPU; setting, by the auxiliary processor, a current voltage of the CPU to the minimum working voltage; and completing, by the CPU at the minimum working voltage, the switch-on process of the terminal, and controlling the terminal to work. In the method for determining a voltage of a processor of a terminal, and the terminal in the embodiments of this application, a minimum working voltage of a CPU is determined in a switch-on process of the terminal. Compared with that a minimum working voltage of a processor is measured by using a test machine during production of the processor, in the present invention, a testing time and testing costs can be reduced, testing precision can be improved, and a minimum working voltage of a processor can be more accurately tested.