Dynamic CPU Voltage and Frequency Modulation via VID Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems cannot dynamically modulate CPU operation voltage and frequency in real-time based on load, leading to potential power waste and performance issues, as voltage adjustments can only be made during boot and not during operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a voltage identification converting/comparing controller that operates in bypass or calculation mode to generate a second voltage identification signal and control signal, allowing the pulse-width-modulation controller to dynamically adjust the operation voltage and frequency of the CPU based on real-time load, enabling overclocking, underclocking, over-voltage, and under-voltage without rebooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PWM controller real-time modulates the operation voltage based on the VID signal from the CPU, then the voltage can be adjusted according to load, but the voltage cannot be adjusted below the minimum or above the maximum specified by BIOS during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a VID signal processing unit as an intermediary between the CPU and PWM controller. This unit compares the VID signal from the CPU with minimum and maximum voltage thresholds, and only allows PWM modulation when the VID signal falls within the valid range. This intermediary mechanism enables real-time voltage adjustment within safe boundaries without requiring complex BIOS intervention during operation.
2Productivity
If the operation frequency is increased above HFM for overclocking or decreased below LFM for underclocking, then performance or power saving is improved, but the operation voltage must be manually adjusted first through BIOS before entering the operating system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring minimum and maximum voltage thresholds in the VID signal processing unit before the operating system starts. These thresholds are set during system initialization, allowing the system to immediately support overclocking and underclocking operations without requiring BIOS reconfiguration or rebooting. The thresholds are established in advance to enable dynamic frequency adjustments beyond HFM and LFM.
3Ease of operation
If the operation voltage is manually adjusted through BIOS before entering the operating system, then overclocking or underclocking can be executed, but the voltage cannot be dynamically adjusted during system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the VID signal from the CPU during system operation and dynamically adjusting the operation voltage based on the current load. The VID signal processing unit compares the real-time VID signal with pre-configured thresholds and automatically enables PWM controller modulation when appropriate, eliminating the need for manual BIOS adjustment and providing continuous real-time voltage optimization throughout system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system capable of dynamically modulating an operation voltage and an operation frequency of a CPU comprises: a CPU from which a VID1 is outputted based on a real load of the CPU; a VID converting/comparing controller capable of determining to operate in an bypass mode or a calculation mode in response to the received VID1 signal and capable of outputting a VID2 signal and a control signal; a frequency generator for generating a CPU clock with a specific frequency to the CPU in response to the control signal; and a PWM controller capable of generating the operation voltage to the CPU in response to the VID2 signal; wherein when the VID converting/comparing controller is switched to operate in the calculation mode, the VID1 signal is not equal to the VID2 signal and the specific frequency is modulated to either a higher or a lower than a normal operation frequency by the VID converting/comparing controller.