Processor Core Voltage Control Using Dispersion Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unstable voltages in tracking devices, such as phone watches and pet trackers, lead to issues like unstable network signals, device crashes, and repeated restarts, resulting in loss of connection with kids or pets.

Innovation Solution

A voltage adjustment method that detects an index parameter, calculates a dispersion parameter, and adjusts the voltage of a processor core if the dispersion parameter exceeds a threshold, allowing for dynamic voltage adjustment without additional hardware and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware methods are used to adjust overall voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-based voltage adjustment mechanisms with a software-based method. The processor detects voltage stability issues through index parameters and dispersion calculations, then adjusts voltage through software control without requiring additional voltage adjustment hardware circuits. This substitutes mechanical/electrical hardware systems with software-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of voltage stability. The processor monitors its own voltage status through index parameters, calculates dispersion to detect instability, and autonomously adjusts voltage levels without external intervention or additional control hardware, enabling the device to serve itself in maintaining voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If power amplifiers are used to adjust overall voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using power amplifiers to adjust overall system voltage, the patent applies voltage adjustment only to specific processor cores that exhibit voltage instability. The system calculates dispersion for individual cores and adjusts voltage only where needed, rather than applying power amplification across the entire system, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized voltage adjustment for individual processor cores rather than global voltage adjustment. Each core's voltage is adjusted independently based on its own index parameter dispersion, allowing precise control where voltage instability occurs without increasing power consumption in other stable components of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If DVFS is applied to CPU based on CB coefficient, then power consumption management is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption managementVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dispersion parameter calculation as a simplified metric to trigger voltage adjustment decisions. Instead of complex multi-parameter analysis, the system calculates dispersion from index parameters over time windows and uses this single derived parameter to control voltage adjustment, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effective power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts voltage based on real-time dispersion calculations. The dispersion parameter is continuously updated by comparing current index parameter values with historical data, enabling dynamic voltage control that adapts to changing system conditions without requiring complex predetermined control tables or extensive sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4318170B1Voltage adjustment method and apparatus, and computer device and readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ZTE CORP
  • EP4318170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4318170B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4318170B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Provided are a voltage adjustment method, a voltage adjustment apparatus, a computer device, and a readable medium. The voltage adjustment method includes: detecting (S11) an index parameter, and calculating (S12) a first dispersion parameter of the index parameter according to detection values of the index parameter within preset duration; and in response to the first dispersion parameter being greater than a preset first threshold, adjusting (S13) a voltage of a processor core corresponding to the index parameter.