Cluster Controller Frequency Regulation for Processor Aging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server clusters, processors with the same nominal power consumption limits and operating frequencies can have varying core and un-core operating frequencies, leading to performance imbalances that slow down complex processing tasks due to differences in efficiency and leakage, which existing techniques like binning and cherry picking are costly and fail to account for aging processors.
Innovation Solution
A cluster controller selects a lead processor and adjusts the core and un-core operating frequencies of other processors to match those of the lead processor, using power control units to manage power consumption versus frequency relationships, allowing for real-time tuning and accommodating processor aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If processors are set to the same power consumption limit, then power usage is standardized, but core and un-core operating frequencies vary leading to performance imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of processors dynamically. A cluster management controller monitors the operating frequencies of core and un-core components across multiple processors and adjusts individual processor frequencies to match a target frequency, ensuring consistent performance while maintaining standardized power consumption limits.
2Productivity
If binning and cherry picking techniques are used to select processors with similar performances, then processing speed consistency improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables processors to self-adjust their operating frequencies automatically. Each processor's frequency is dynamically tuned by the cluster management controller based on real-time monitoring, eliminating the need for manual selection through binning or cherry picking techniques while achieving consistent processing speeds across the cluster.
3Device complexity
If fixed operating frequencies are assigned to processors, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but inability to accommodate processor aging reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static processor frequency configuration into a dynamic system. The cluster management controller continuously monitors processor operating frequencies and automatically adjusts individual processor frequencies to compensate for aging effects, maintaining consistent performance without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes receiving, by a cluster management controller, data representing results of a plurality of performance tests that are conducted on a plurality of processors that are associated with the plurality of computing nodes of a cluster. The technique includes, based on the data representing the results, selecting a lead processor of the plurality of processors; and communicating, by the cluster management controller, with the plurality of computing nodes to regulate core and un-core operating frequencies of the plurality of processors. Communicating with the plurality of computer nodes includes communicating data representing a core operating frequency of the lead processor and an un-core operating frequency of the lead processor.