Clock Distribution Circuit Voltage Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management in computing systems is inefficient, as the clock distribution system often consumes significant power and cannot achieve low power consumption levels due to its design being tied to the same voltage plane as functional units, limiting energy savings, especially during idle or low-performance states.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling power delivery to the clock distribution system from functional units, allowing independent voltage control and optimization of the clock grid power plane, with multiple stages for determining appropriate operating voltages based on frequency, temperature, and load line parameters, enabling lower power consumption without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the clock distribution system uses the same voltage plane as functional units, then platform flexibility and cost savings are achieved, but power consumption increases and cannot be optimized during idle states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage supply system into two separate voltage planes: a first voltage plane for functional units and a second voltage plane for the clock distribution system. This segmentation allows independent voltage control and optimization of power consumption for the clock distribution system, enabling it to operate at lower voltages during idle states without affecting functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different voltage characteristics to different parts of the system by providing the clock distribution system with a dedicated second voltage plane that can be independently optimized. This local quality approach allows the clock distribution system to have tailored voltage characteristics suited for low-power operation while functional units maintain their required voltage levels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the clock distribution system operates at the same voltage as functional units, then voltage control is simplified, but energy savings during idle or low-performance states are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control system into independent controllers for the first voltage plane (functional units) and second voltage plane (clock distribution system). This enables separate optimization of energy savings for the clock distribution system while maintaining simplified control within each segment through dedicated voltage regulators and control logic.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If independent voltage control is implemented for clock distribution system, then power consumption can be reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent power delivery architecture by segmenting the power supply into separate voltage planes with dedicated regulators and control circuits. While this increases component count, each segment is independently optimized and controlled, allowing the clock distribution system to achieve lower power consumption through targeted voltage optimization without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of functional units each to independently execute instructions and a clock distribution circuit having a clock signal generator to generate a clock signal. The clock distribution circuit is coupled to receive a first operating voltage from a first voltage rail and the functional units are coupled to independently receive at least one second operating voltage from one or more second voltage rails. Other embodiments are described and claimed.