Adaptive Voltage Scaling Controller Dual Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) controllers in integrated circuits require processing power to achieve power savings, which can reduce system performance, and there is a need for a method that minimizes this impact on performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with an AVS controller that has two settings: a dynamic setting for power management based on sensed states and a static setting that uses a stored voltage value independently of sensed states, allowing for reduced processing power and improved performance in certain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional AVS controllers dynamically adjust voltage based on sensed states, then power savings are achieved, but processing power is consumed reducing system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The AVS controller dynamically switches between two operational modes (first setting and second setting) based on system conditions. In the first setting, it performs dynamic voltage adjustment based on sensed states to achieve power savings. In the second setting, it uses a stored voltage value independently of sensed states to minimize processing overhead. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the control strategy to current system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control function is segmented into two distinct operational modes: dynamic voltage adjustment mode and static voltage mode. Each mode is optimized for specific conditions - the dynamic mode for power-efficient operation during normal tasks, and the static mode for high-performance scenarios where processing overhead must be minimized. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both power savings and high performance at different times.
2Use of energy by moving object
If AVS operation is performed continuously to maximize power savings, then energy efficiency improves, but processing overhead increases during critical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The AVS controller periodically evaluates system conditions and switches between dynamic and static voltage control modes. During normal operation, it operates in dynamic mode to maximize energy efficiency. During critical operations such as boot sequences or high-processing tasks, it transitions to static mode to minimize processing overhead and time loss. This periodic evaluation and mode switching ensures both energy efficiency and timely response during critical operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) includes an adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) controller configured to control a voltage supplied to a portion of the IC and at least one sensor configured to sense at least one state of the IC and to provide an output signal indicative of the at least one sensed state to the AVS controller, the IC having a first setting and a second setting, the AVS controller being configured to use the output signal to control the voltage in the first setting and the AVS controller being configured to control the voltage independently of the output signal in the second setting. Also a method of performing AVS is provided.