Data Processing Thermal Control via Dynamic Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing systems in integrated circuits face overheating issues due to excessive power consumption, which can lead to malfunctions and damage, and existing technologies lack effective thermal control methods that minimize performance loss.

Innovation Solution

A data processing system with thermal control that includes a scheduler to dynamically adjust power consumption by switching between modes, using power estimation and kick-out rules to manage resource allocation and prevent overheating, incorporating components like MAP detectors and LDPC decoders, and enabling intelligent thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data processing systems operate at high power consumption to maintain processing performance, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing overheating and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing performanceVSAvoidintegrated circuit temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (first mode with high processing performance, second mode with reduced performance, third mode with minimal performance) based on thermal conditions. The scheduler adjusts the operational mode of data processors in real-time, transitioning from high-performance operation to low-performance operation when thermal thresholds are exceeded, thereby adapting system behavior to thermal constraints while maintaining productivity when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the system switches to low power mode to reduce temperature, then temperature is reduced, but data processing performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated circuit temperatureVSAvoiddata processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining data queues and buffer memory during mode transitions. Before switching to lower performance modes, the scheduler ensures data is staged in queues and buffer memory, allowing seamless transition without data loss. This preliminary preparation enables the system to reduce power consumption and temperature while minimizing performance impact, as the queued data can be processed continuously across mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring thermal conditions and dynamically adjusting operational modes. The scheduler continuously assesses whether thermal thresholds are exceeded and adjusts the operational mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances temperature management with performance maintenance. This feedback mechanism allows the system to return to high-performance modes when thermal conditions improve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If data processors are disabled to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but data loss may occur if queues overflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining data queues and buffer memory during mode transitions. Before switching to lower performance modes, the scheduler ensures data is staged in queues and buffer memory, allowing seamless transition without data loss. This preliminary preparation enables the system to reduce power consumption and temperature while minimizing performance impact, as the queued data can be processed continuously across mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by implementing buffer memory and data queues that absorb data during mode transitions. These buffers act as a cushion against potential data loss when processors are disabled or switched to low-power modes. The buffer capacity is designed to accommodate data temporarily, ensuring that even when processing capacity is reduced, data integrity is maintained without overflow or loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9128717B2Data processing system with thermal control

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for a data processing system with thermal control. For example, a data processing system with thermal control is disclosed that includes a number of data processors and a scheduler, which is operable to determine the power consumption of the data processors and to switch the data processing system from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode. The data processing system consumes less power in the third mode than in the first mode. The second mode prepares the data processing system to enter the third mode.