Digital Power Estimation Using Event-Based Signal Weights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems lack the granularity and precision in power usage estimation for microprocessors, leading to inefficient thermal control and performance optimization due to inadequate thermal measurement mechanisms and complex analog power measurement techniques.
Innovation Solution
A digital power estimation method using event-based energy weights, where power monitors select specific signals and determine weight factors through simulations or direct measurement to accurately estimate power consumption, allowing for precise control of operating frequency and voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermal measurement mechanisms are used, then power management can be implemented, but measurement precision and granularity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional analog power measurement mechanisms with a digital power estimation system. Instead of using complex analog-to-digital converters and associated analog circuitry, the system uses digital logic to monitor signals and calculate power consumption through mathematical operations on digital signal values, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weight factors as intermediary parameters that bridge the relationship between monitored signal activity and actual power consumption. These weight factors serve as mediators that translate digital signal measurements into accurate power estimates, enabling precise power measurement without requiring direct complex power measurement circuitry
2Measurement precision
If analog power measurement techniques are used, then power consumption can be measured, but the required circuitry becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex analog power measurement circuitry including analog-to-digital converters with a digital-based power estimation system. The system monitors digital signals representing power-consuming events and uses digital arithmetic operations with pre-determined weight factors to estimate power consumption, eliminating the need for complex analog measurement circuitry while maintaining or improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model or copy of the power consumption characteristics through weight factors that represent the power impact of different signal activities. Instead of directly measuring analog power signals, the system uses these digital copies/representations to calculate and estimate actual power consumption, simplifying the measurement apparatus
3Temperature
If thermal limits are reached, then power management is activated, but processor performance is reduced due to throttling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary power estimation and prediction before thermal limits are actually reached. By continuously monitoring signal activities and calculating power consumption in advance, the system can predict upcoming thermal conditions and take proactive power management actions, allowing performance optimization while preventing thermal violations rather than reactively throttling after limits are reached
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where power consumption estimates are continuously fed back to the power management system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of power allocation and performance settings based on real-time power usage patterns, optimizing the balance between thermal control and processor productivity through continuous monitoring and adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining event based energy weights for digital power estimation includes obtaining a reference energy value corresponding to a power consumed by at least a portion of an integrated circuit (IC) device during operation. The method includes determining and selecting a subset of signals from a set of all signals within the IC that correlates to energy use within the IC. The method includes determining an activity factor of each signal in the subset by monitoring each signal while simulating execution of a particular set of instructions. The method includes determining a weight factor or at least an approximation of a weight factor for each signal in the subset by solving within a predetermined accuracy, a multivariable equation in which the reference energy value equals a weighted sum of the activity of the signals of the selected subset multiplied by their respective weight factors.