Clock Control Unit Gating for Multi-Threaded Processor Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-threaded processors face increased power consumption due to higher operating frequencies, leading to inefficiencies as they wait for memory references to complete, necessitating methods to conserve power during periods of low activity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that provides a first timing signal and a symbol associated with power requirements to a processor, using a clock control unit (CCU) to generate a gated representation of the timing signal, which is distributed to cores through header circuits, allowing for power savings by adjusting clock signals during low activity periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operating frequency of the microprocessor is increased to improve computational speed, then the processing throughput is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock gating control where the clock signal is selectively enabled or disabled based on the operational state of processor cores. The system dynamically adjusts clock distribution to match actual computational needs, enabling high throughput when required while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods through conditional clock signal gating.
2Productivity
If multiple threads are executed concurrently to offset memory access downtime, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases due to higher operating frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal distribution into separate controllable paths for different processor cores and thread execution units. By dividing the clock distribution system into independently controllable segments, the patent enables selective clock gating to individual cores or thread units based on their specific operational needs, allowing multi-threaded execution to maintain high productivity while reducing overall power consumption through targeted clock signal management.
3Speed
If the clock signal is continuously provided to maintain processor readiness, then the processing speed is maintained, but the power consumption increases during low activity periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic clock gating control where the clock signal is periodically enabled and disabled based on detected processor activity levels. During low-activity periods, the clock signal is gated off to reduce power consumption, while during high-activity periods, the clock signal is restored to maintain processing speed. This periodic modulation of the clock signal eliminates energy waste during idle waiting periods while preserving processing capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are presented that allow power savings on a processor executing a plurality of threads on a plurality of cores. The method may include providing a first timing signal to a processor, determining the power requirements of the processor, loading a symbol into a shift register, where the symbol may be associated with the power requirements of the processor, providing a second timing signal to the processor, where the second timing signal may include a gated representation of the first timing signal and the symbol.