Clock Transitioning Circuit for Power-State Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor power management systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning power states due to high power consumption and performance issues, particularly in applications with limited power sources, as hardwired circuits are inflexible and software-based solutions divert processing time from real-time tasks.
Innovation Solution
A clock transitioning circuit arrangement with a local memory and control circuit that receives data from a processor system via a data bus to modify the clock generation unit, allowing for flexible power-state transitions with minimal processor intervention, using a clock management controller that stores and accesses data to control clock signals and provide instructions for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If hardwired circuits are used for power-state transitions, then power consumption is minimized and control from processor is minimal, but adaptability is poor and redesign is required when transition protocol changes
Solution Approach 1:
A clock management controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the processor and the clock generation unit. This controller receives transition protocols from the processor, stores them in a buffer, and executes them to control clock signals during power-state transitions. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain hardwired circuit efficiency while gaining software-like adaptability through programmable transition protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is used to facilitate power-state transitions, then adaptability is improved, but processor performance is reduced due to diverted processing time and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The clock management controller serves as a dedicated hardware intermediary that handles all power-state transition control operations. By offloading this functionality from the main processor to a specialized controller, the processor is freed from performing transition management tasks, thereby maintaining full processing performance for real-time applications while still achieving adaptable power management through programmable protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock management controller is designed to autonomously execute power-state transitions by reading transition protocols from its internal buffer and automatically controlling the clock generation unit. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous processor intervention, allowing the controller to independently manage power-state changes without diverting processor time or increasing overall system power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processor devotes processing time to power-state transitions, then adaptability is improved, but real-time response performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clock management controller acts as a dedicated intermediary that handles all power-state transition control operations. By offloading this functionality from the main processor to a specialized controller, the processor is freed from performing transition management tasks, thereby maintaining full processing performance for real-time applications while still achieving adaptable power management through programmable protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Clock management is implemented using a variety of systems, devices and methods. According to one embodiment a clock transitioning circuit arrangement (104) is implemented for receiving data from a processor system (102) via a data bus (212, 214) and for modifying a state a clock-generation unit (106) having a local memory for controlling a plurality of clock outputs that provide clock signals for use by the processing system (102). The arrangement has a memory circuit (206) for storing the data from the processor system (102) and a control circuit (208) for accessing the data in the memory circuit (206) in response to a request to change a clock signal provided by an output of the plurality of clock outputs and for providing corresponding data to the local memory of the clock generation unit (106).