BIOS-Driven Voltage Regulator Configuration for Multi-Core Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulator modules in information handling systems are limited to supporting only one central processor core configuration at a time, leading to increased power consumption and decreased efficiency due to the need for continuous dynamic output voltage control by the BIOS.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a BIOS processing system configured to identify the central processing system mode and transmit a voltage regulator module configuration to a remote access controller, allowing the voltage regulator module to be configured during the boot process without relying on the central processing system to continuously manage voltage adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the BIOS continuously dynamically controls the output voltage of the voltage regulator module to meet the operating requirements for different central processor core configurations, then the voltage regulator can support multiple processor configurations, but the power consumption increases and efficiency decreases due to the continuous voltage control workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the BIOS identify the central processor core configuration during the boot process and pre-configure the voltage regulator module with the appropriate output voltage profile before the processor begins operation. This eliminates the need for continuous dynamic voltage adjustments during runtime, as the voltage regulator is already optimized for the specific processor configuration from startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the voltage regulator module to dynamically switch between different firmware configurations corresponding to different processor core configurations. The system transitions from a static single-configuration voltage regulator to a dynamic multi-configuration regulator that can adapt its output voltage profile based on the identified processor type, resolving the contradiction between versatility and energy efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the voltage regulator module firmware is configured to support a specific central processor core configuration, then the voltage regulation accuracy is optimized for that configuration, but the device cannot support other processor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the voltage regulator module with multi-functionality through configurable firmware. The voltage regulator can load different firmware images corresponding to different central processor core configurations (e.g., 6-core, 8-core, 10-core, 12-core configurations), allowing a single hardware device to universally support multiple processor types while maintaining optimized voltage regulation accuracy for each specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the voltage regulator module to change its operational parameters (output voltage profile, load-line constant) based on the identified processor configuration. The BIOS identifies the processor core configuration and transmits appropriate configuration parameters to the voltage regulator, enabling the regulator to adjust its voltage output characteristics to match the specific electrical requirements of different processor core configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the BIOS is configured to dynamically control the output voltage during operation, then the voltage regulator can adapt to different processor modes, but the central processor performance decreases due to the additional control workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the continuous dynamic voltage control workload from the central processor's responsibility. Instead of the processor continuously managing voltage adjustments, the BIOS extracts this function and performs the voltage regulator configuration during the boot process, allowing the processor to focus entirely on computational tasks without the overhead of voltage management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the BIOS complete the voltage regulator configuration during the boot process before the processor begins its computational workload. The BIOS identifies the processor configuration, determines the appropriate voltage profile, and programs the voltage regulator in advance, so that when the processor starts operating, the voltage regulation is already optimized and requires no further processor involvement.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator configuration system includes a voltage regulator module that is coupled to a processing system and that is configured to provide a voltage to the processing system. A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) that is also coupled to the processing system and the BIOS identifies a processing system mode in which the processing system is operating and identifies a voltage regulator module configuration for the voltage regulator module based on the processing system mode. The BIOS transmits a voltage regulator module configuration command that includes the voltage regulator module configuration to a remote access controller. The remote access controller configures the voltage regulator module with the voltage regulator module configuration.