Context Switch Controller for Multi-Module Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern mobile devices face challenges in achieving high performance while minimizing power consumption, as existing power reduction techniques either compromise performance or are inefficient in reducing both leakage and switching power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple instruction execution modules with differing power consumption characteristics, allowing for context switching between them to optimize power usage based on performance demands, where logically identical modules with varying manufacturing processes or flavors are used within the same or separate semiconductor chips, and context switch controllers manage the transition to reduce leakage and dynamic power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single instruction execution module operates at maximal frequency and voltage, then high performance is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the instruction execution function into multiple separate modules (first instruction execution module and second instruction execution module) with different power consumption characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate modules based on performance requirements, avoiding the need for a single module to operate at maximal power consumption for all tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different instruction execution modules based on real-time performance requirements and power constraints. The context switch controller enables runtime adaptation by selecting which module to activate, making the power consumption characteristics dynamic rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If power gating is used to shut down circuits during deactivation, then switching power consumption is reduced, but leakage power consumption increases due to state retention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching power consumptionVSAvoidleakage power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a copy of the instruction execution functionality in multiple modules with different power characteristics. When switching between modules, the context (state information) is transferred between modules, allowing the inactive module to be fully powered down without losing state information, thus reducing both switching and leakage power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple instruction execution modules are implemented, then power consumption can be optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple instruction execution modules are designed to be logically identical and perform the same universal function. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to have redundant modules that can interchangeably perform instruction execution, enabling power optimization without requiring fundamentally different functional blocks, thus limiting the increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If context switching between modules is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but switching time and complexity are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontext switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for context switching by maintaining identical logical structures and interfaces across all instruction execution modules. This preliminary design ensures that context switching can occur without complex data format conversions or structural adaptations, reducing the time penalty associated with switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8255723B2Device having multiple instruction execution modules and a management method

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A multiple instruction execution modules device that comprises a first instruction execution module and a second instruction execution module and a context switch controller; wherein the first instruction execution module is logically identical to the second instruction execution module but substantially differs from the second instruction execution module by at least one power consumption characteristic; wherein the context switch controller controls a context switch between the first instruction execution module and the second instruction execution module; wherein an instruction execution module that its context has been transferred is shut down.