Dynamic DCVS Parameter Adjustment for Wireless Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Dynamic Clock and Voltage Scaling (DCVS) techniques in wireless devices are inadequate for processors handling real-time tasks, as they may result in slower transient response and fail to meet the processing requirements of modem processors, leading to suboptimal power consumption and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
The method involves monitoring data buffers in wireless devices to dynamically adjust CPU clock frequency and voltage by modifying DCVS parameters based on buffer thresholds, ensuring timely data processing and maintaining data throughput performance, even under high priority tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DCVS functionality is incorporated with a processor executing real-time tasks, then power consumption is reduced, but response time becomes too slow to meet strict time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of DCVS parameters (filter time constants, thresholds) based on real-time processor state and buffer conditions. The system transitions from static DCVS configuration to dynamic parameter modification, allowing the processor to adapt between power-efficient and performance-critical modes according to actual operational demands and time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies DCVS control parameters (filter time constants, voltage thresholds, frequency scaling factors) based on processor utilization and buffer depth. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and response time, allowing faster response when buffers indicate urgent processing needs while maintaining power efficiency during normal operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If DCVS dynamically adjusts clock frequency and voltage based on CPU utilization, then power consumption is optimized, but transient response becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms that monitor processor buffer depth and utilization in real-time. This feedback drives dynamic modification of DCVS parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual processing demands. The feedback enables the system to detect when transient response is needed (through buffer depth indicators) and adjust parameters accordingly, rather than relying on predetermined static settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of buffer depth and processor state to anticipate when fast response will be needed. By detecting buffer accumulation trends before they become critical, the system can proactively adjust DCVS parameters to prepare for upcoming processing demands, reducing the effective transient response time without continuous high-power operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If processor speed is reduced to save power, then battery operational time is extended, but data throughput may be insufficient to prevent packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processor speed adjustment based on real-time buffer depth monitoring. Rather than using fixed low-speed operation for power savings, the system dynamically scales processor frequency according to actual data flow conditions. When buffers indicate sufficient data accumulation, the processor can operate at lower speeds to conserve battery life. When buffers approach critical levels, the system automatically increases processor speed to maintain throughput and prevent packet loss.
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for power optimization in a wireless device. The apparatus and methods effect monitoring the amount of data stored in a data buffer that buffers data input to and data output from a processor. Dependent on the amount of data stored in the buffers parameters of a control function, such as a Dynamic Clock and Voltage Scaling (DCVS) function are modified based on the amount of data stored in the data buffer. By modifying or pre-empting the parameters of the control function, which controls at least processor frequency, the processor can process applications more dynamically over default parameter settings, especially in situations where one or more real-time activities having strict time constraints for completion are being handled by the processor as evinced by increased buffer depth. As a result, power usage is further optimized as the control function is more responsive to processing conditions.