Dynamic Core Activation for Power-Constrained Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing systems face challenges in managing power usage effectively while increasing processing capacity, as activating cores to enhance capacity leads to increased power consumption, potentially exceeding system limits and causing heat-related performance issues.

Innovation Solution

A method that activates cores in a data processing system and configures them to operate at specific frequencies, adjusting parameters to meet power usage policies and monitoring the impact on processing capacity, ensuring that power usage does not exceed limits by deactivating cores if capacity expectations are not met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cores are activated to increase processing capacity, then processing capacity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates cores based on real-time power conditions and processing capacity requirements. The power management module continuously monitors system state and adjusts core activation status to balance performance and power consumption, rather than using a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (core activation status, frequency settings) based on power policy constraints. When power consumption exceeds thresholds, the system modifies these parameters to reduce power usage while attempting to maintain acceptable processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If frequency of cores is increased to increase processing capacity, then processing capacity is improved, but heat production increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidheat production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts core frequency based on thermal conditions and power policy. The power management module monitors temperature and power consumption, adjusting frequency settings in real-time to prevent overheating while maintaining optimal performance when conditions allow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where power consumption and temperature measurements are continuously monitored and fed back to the power management module, which then adjusts frequency and core activation decisions accordingly to maintain safe operational thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If additional cores are added to increase processing capacity, then processing capacity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the processing capacity into individual cores that can be independently activated or deactivated. Rather than requiring all cores to be active, the system selectively enables only the necessary number of cores based on current processing demands and power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by activating only the minimum necessary number of cores required to meet processing capacity requirements, rather than activating all available cores. This approach provides sufficient processing power while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9146608B2Power management for processing capacity upgrade on demand
Publication Date: 2015.09.29 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9146608B2 patent drawing
  • US9146608B2 patent drawing
  • US9146608B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and apparatus for managing power management in a data processing system are presented. A core is activated and configured to operate at a frequency in response to a request to increase a processing capacity. A determination whether a use of power resulting from activating the core meets a policy for the use of the power is made. A set of parameters is adjusted to meet the policy for the use of power in response to a determination that the use of power does not meet the policy. A determination whether a number of operations performed by a set of cores is made. An indication that the request to increase the processing capacity is unavailable is made in response to the number of operations having not increased.