Co-processor Repeat Mode for Host Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, particularly in battery-powered portable devices, there is a need to conserve power while maintaining efficient processing of continuous data streams, as waking up the host processor frequently to manage co-processor operations can drain battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a co-processor that can perform operations repeatedly on a data stream without continuous intervention from the host processor, using an instruction format with a repeat mode field to specify repeated execution, allowing the host processor to remain in a low power state for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the host processor frequently wakes up to manage co-processor operations, then processing control and coordination are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The co-processor is designed to autonomously execute repeated operations on data streams without requiring the host processor to wake up and issue new instructions. The co-processor monitors its own execution state, manages its operational loop, and can independently determine when operations are complete, thereby serving itself and reducing dependency on the power-consuming host processor interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The host processor issues a single preliminary instruction that includes a repeat counter and operational parameters before entering a low-power state. This preliminary action configures the co-processor to autonomously repeat the operation multiple times without further host intervention, allowing the host to remain in low-power state while the co-processor executes the pre-configured repeated operations.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the host processor remains in low power state for extended periods, then battery life is extended, but the ability to respond to co-processor completion and manage operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The co-processor implements an automatic feedback mechanism where it monitors its own execution of repeated operations and automatically generates an interrupt signal to the host processor when the repeat counter reaches zero or when operations are completed. This feedback loop ensures the host processor is reliably notified of completion events without needing to continuously poll or remain active, thus extending battery life while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeat counter and automatic interrupt generation mechanism act as an intermediary between the co-processor operations and the host processor. This intermediary handles the coordination and completion notification automatically, allowing the host processor to remain in low-power state while ensuring reliable operation management through the intermediary's automated bookkeeping and interrupt signaling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If repeated operations are implemented without host processor intervention, then power consumption is reduced, but instruction complexity and execution control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instruction format merges multiple pieces of information into a single comprehensive instruction: the operational parameters, the repeat counter value, and the execution mode are all combined in one instruction issued by the host processor to the co-processor. This merging reduces the total number of instructions and host processor wake-ups needed, thereby reducing power consumption despite the increased complexity of the individual instruction structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The instruction format includes a repeat counter parameter and an execution mode parameter that fundamentally change how the co-processor operates. By changing these parameters within the instruction structure, the co-processor can autonomously repeat operations multiple times without requiring multiple separate instructions, thus reducing power consumption while managing complexity through parameter-based control rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to power-efficient techniques for invoking a co-processor. In an example embodiment, a computer system may include a first processor (e.g., a host processor) and a second processor (e.g., a co-processor). The first processor may instruct the second processor to perform an operation repeatedly on a data stream. The first processor may be placed in a low power state. The second processor may perform the operation repeatedly on the data stream while the first processor remains in the low-power state.