Dynamic DCVS Frequency Adjustment for SoC Thermal Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable computing devices face challenges in managing thermal energy and power consumption due to limited form factors, requiring a balance between processing performance and thermal mitigation or power conservation, which is difficult to achieve with heterogeneous processing components.

Innovation Solution

Dynamic DCVS adjustment and workload scheduling techniques that query performance curves in real-time to determine optimal operating frequencies for processing components, optimizing power efficiency and processing time while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If processing components are run at maximum rated power frequencies, then processing performance is improved, but thermal energy generation increases to detrimental levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidthermal energy generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring thermal conditions and processing workload, then adapting the operating frequency of processing components in real-time. This allows the system to operate at maximum frequency when thermal conditions permit and reduce frequency when thermal limits are approached, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high processing performance and preventing detrimental thermal energy generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameter (frequency) of processing components based on thermal conditions and workload requirements. By dynamically adjusting the frequency parameter rather than maintaining a fixed maximum frequency, the system optimizes the balance between processing performance and thermal energy generation, preventing detrimental thermal levels while maintaining productivity when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power conservation schemes are applied to minimize power consumption, then power supply duration is extended, but processing speeds must be reduced which impacts QoS

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring thermal conditions and processing workload, then adapting the operating frequency of processing components in real-time. This allows the system to operate at maximum frequency when thermal conditions permit and reduce frequency when thermal limits are approached, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high processing performance and preventing detrimental thermal energy generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameter (frequency) of processing components based on thermal conditions and workload requirements. By dynamically adjusting the frequency parameter rather than maintaining a fixed maximum frequency, the system optimizes the balance between processing performance and thermal energy generation, preventing detrimental thermal levels while maintaining productivity when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed power frequency is supplied to processing components, then system control is simplified, but power efficiency is not optimized at the most efficient point on the processor's performance curve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem control complexityVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors thermal conditions, processing workload, and power consumption, then uses this information to dynamically adjust the operating frequency of processing components. This feedback loop enables the system to identify and operate at the most efficient point on the processor's performance curve, optimizing power efficiency while managing thermal and power constraints, despite the increased control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9411403B2System and method for dynamic DCVS adjustment and workload scheduling in a system on a chip

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of methods and systems for dynamically adjusting operating frequency settings of one or more processing components in a portable computing device (“PCD”) are disclosed. One such method involves receiving a request to adjust an operating frequency setting of a processing component to a required frequency (“F_req”) to process a workload. Factor readings associated with the operating capacity of the processing component may be taken. Based on the readings, performance curves associated with the processing component may be queried. The performance curves are used to determine the optimal operating frequency (“F_opt”) for the processing component. The F_opt is compared to the F_req and, if the F_req is less than F_opt, the operating frequency setting of the processing component is set to F_opt. Advantageously, as compared to F_req, at F_opt workload processing may be more efficient and a low power mode may be entered sooner.