DVFS Controller for Workload-Based Voltage and Frequency Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management in mobile devices is inefficient due to reliance on fixed voltage and frequency settings, which do not account for dynamic changes in workload and environmental factors, leading to suboptimal performance and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit and computing system with a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) controller that calculates workload and adjusts voltage and frequency based on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, optimizing performance while maintaining power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed voltage and frequency settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) that continuously adjusts operating parameters based on real-time workload conditions. The system transitions from static fixed settings to dynamic adaptation, monitoring performance metrics and environmental factors to optimize power consumption while maintaining required performance levels across varying operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that monitor workload, temperature, and performance metrics to continuously adjust voltage and frequency settings. This closed-loop control system uses sensed information to modify power management decisions, ensuring optimal power efficiency while responding to changing operational conditions and environmental factors.
2Device complexity
If fixed voltage and frequency settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating frequency and voltage based on real-time workload demands and environmental conditions. This enables the device to optimize performance for varying computational requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic control algorithms that adapt to changing operational states.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage and frequency scaling is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power management system into distinct functional modules including workload monitoring units, temperature sensing units, DVFS control units, and environmental factor analysis components. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, managing overall system complexity while enabling sophisticated dynamic power optimization through coordinated operation of specialized subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control mechanisms that mediate between workload demands and power delivery. These intermediary layers include control algorithms and management units that translate complex operational requirements into optimized voltage and frequency settings, reducing the direct complexity burden on individual components while achieving system-wide power efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage and frequency scaling is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically changes operating parameters including voltage levels, frequency settings, and power states based on monitored workload and environmental conditions. This parameter adaptation enables dynamic power optimization by adjusting electrical characteristics to match actual operational demands, improving power efficiency while managing complexity through structured parameter control.
5Ease of operation
If power is set based on fixed lookup table, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to dynamic factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static lookup table configurations to dynamic power management that adapts to real-time conditions. The system maintains ease of operation through automated control algorithms while achieving adaptability by continuously adjusting power settings based on workload, temperature, and environmental factors, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-driven power management that uses monitored system state information to automatically adjust power settings. This feedback mechanism replaces fixed lookup tables with adaptive control that responds to actual operational conditions, maintaining ease of operation through automation while achieving versatility in adapting to dynamic workloads and environmental variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit and a computing system. The integrated circuit and a computing system includes a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) operation and a method of operating the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of sub blocks and a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) controller. The DVFS controller is configured to output a workload of the plurality of sub blocks, determine a first frequency corresponding to the workload, determine a first voltage corresponding to the first frequency, and provide a second frequency among at least one frequency corresponding to the first voltage to the plurality of sub blocks.