Digital Power Estimator Throttling Processor Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of transistors on semiconductor substrates increases and clock frequencies rise, power consumption in integrated circuits grows, leading to potential power supply overload in devices, especially in mobile devices, where excessive power consumption can cause malfunctions due to voltage droop.
Innovation Solution
A digital power estimator (DPE) monitors processor power consumption and throttles processors when exceeding a threshold, with mechanisms to adjust operating points based on power usage counts to prevent power supply overload, allowing more processors to be active without exceeding power supply capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of transistors and clock frequencies are increased to improve processing capability, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases causing power supply overload and voltage droop
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of processors based on real-time power consumption monitoring. When power consumption approaches the power supply capacity limit, the system automatically reduces the operating frequency to maintain stable operation, preventing voltage droop and ensuring continuous processing capability within power constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (frequency and voltage) of processors based on monitored power consumption levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between processing capability and power consumption, allowing maximum productivity when power is sufficient and preventing overload when power supply capacity is approached
2Productivity
If all processors are kept actively executing to maximize productivity, then productivity is improved, but power consumption exceeds power supply capacity causing voltage droop and erroneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where power consumption is continuously monitored and used to control processor operation. When power consumption exceeds the power supply capacity, the system responds by throttling or stopping processor execution, ensuring reliable operation within power constraints while maximizing productivity when power is sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system operates autonomously by automatically monitoring power consumption and adjusting processor execution states without external intervention. The system self-regulates to prevent power supply overload, ensuring operational reliability while maintaining maximum productivity when conditions permit
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a digital power estimator (DPE) may be provided that may monitor the processors to estimate the amount of power being consumed. If the estimate exceeds a power threshold, the DPE may throttle one or more of the processors. Additionally, throttling events may be monitored to determine if a change in the operating point is desired. In one embodiment, the DPE throttling events may be counted, and if the counts exceed a count threshold, a change in the operating point to a reduced operation point may be requested. Additionally, if the DPE estimate is below the power threshold (or a second power threshold), a second count of events may be maintained. If the second count exceeds a threshold and the operating point is the reduced operating point, a return to the original operating point may be requested.