Dynamic Core Frequency Ramp Rate for Power-Responsive Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core frequency scaling algorithms fail to dynamically adjust ramp rates based on system modes or application needs, leading to inefficient power consumption and energy usage, particularly in heterogeneous processors with varying power/performance characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Implement a hardware-guided scheduling interface that provides dynamic feedback of per-core power/performance characteristics to the operating system, allowing for closed-loop control of resource allocation and optimal operating point selection, independent of workload energy performance preference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If core frequency is ramped to highest frequency from minimum frequency in one transition, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic ramp rate adjustment by making the core frequency transition speed variable based on real-time system conditions. The ramp rate is dynamically modified according to workload type, power mode, and performance requirements, allowing the system to adapt between aggressive ramping for responsiveness and conservative ramping for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ramp rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on system state. By modifying the ramp rate parameter according to different workload characteristics and power modes, the system optimizes the trade-off between responsiveness and power consumption for each specific operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If core frequency is ramped to highest frequency from minimum frequency in one transition, then responsiveness is improved, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic ramp rate adjustment by making the core frequency transition speed variable based on real-time system conditions. The ramp rate is dynamically modified according to workload type, power mode, and performance requirements, allowing the system to adapt between aggressive ramping for responsiveness and conservative ramping for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ramp rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on system state. By modifying the ramp rate parameter according to different workload characteristics and power modes, the system optimizes the trade-off between responsiveness and power consumption for each specific operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If slower ramp rates are used, then power consumption is reduced, but responsiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic ramp rate adjustment by making the core frequency transition speed variable based on real-time system conditions. The ramp rate is dynamically modified according to workload type, power mode, and performance requirements, allowing the system to adapt between aggressive ramping for responsiveness and conservative ramping for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ramp rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on system state. By modifying the ramp rate parameter according to different workload characteristics and power modes, the system optimizes the trade-off between responsiveness and power consumption for each specific operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If system operates in reduced power mode with lower frequency transitions, then battery life is prolonged, but performance capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidperformance capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic ramp rate adjustment by making the core frequency transition speed variable based on real-time system conditions. The ramp rate is dynamically modified according to workload type, power mode, and performance requirements, allowing the system to adapt between aggressive ramping for responsiveness and conservative ramping for power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of ramp rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on system state. By modifying the ramp rate parameter according to different workload characteristics and power modes, the system optimizes the trade-off between responsiveness and power consumption for each specific operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4439235B1Apparatus and method for workload, power, and performance-aware dynamic core frequency RAMP rate
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 INTEL CORP
  • EP4439235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4439235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method for workload, power, and performance-aware dynamic core frequency ramp rate. For example, one embodiment of a processor comprises: A processor comprising: a plurality of cores, a first core of the plurality of cores to execute an application comprising one or more workloads; and dynamic ramp rate selection circuitry to determine a core frequency ramp rate to be used to increase a frequency of the first core based, at least in part, on a workload type of a first workload of the one or more workloads.