Dynamic DVFS Control for Non-CPU IP Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing system-on-chip (SoC) technologies face inefficiencies in power management, particularly in dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), which can degrade performance and increase power consumption, especially in non-CPU intellectual property (IP) during memory-bound jobs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically determining and applying a DVFS scheme to non-CPU IP based on its operating scheme, using a DVFS controller to generate control signals for adjusting voltage and frequency, thereby optimizing power usage and performance by synchronizing monitoring operations with specific events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If DVFS is applied to target hardware, then power consumption is reduced, but performance may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic DVFS control by continuously monitoring the operating scheme of target hardware and adjusting voltage and frequency in real-time based on actual operational needs, rather than using static DVFS settings. This allows the system to adaptively optimize power consumption while maintaining performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (voltage and frequency) based on the detected operating scheme of the target hardware. By identifying different operating modes and applying appropriate DVFS settings for each mode, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If DVFS is applied uniformly to all hardware, then power management is simplified, but power efficiency deteriorates for specific hardware types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management complexityVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different DVFS strategies to different types of hardware based on their specific operating schemes. By identifying the type of target hardware and its operational characteristics, the system applies localized DVFS control tailored to each hardware component's needs, improving overall power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the power management approach by dividing hardware into different categories based on their operating schemes and applying specific DVFS settings to each segment. This segmented approach allows optimized power management for each hardware type while maintaining a unified overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If monitoring operations are performed continuously, then hardware operation is accurately tracked, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation tracking accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs monitoring operations periodically based on the operating scheme of the target hardware rather than continuously. By determining appropriate monitoring intervals and triggering DVFS operations at specific periods, the system maintains accurate operation tracking while reducing the power consumption associated with constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10725525B2Method of operating system-on-chip, system-on-chip performing the same and electronic system including the same

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a system-on-chip (SOC) including a central processing unit (CPU) and a target hardware to which a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is applied, includes determining an operating scheme of the target hardware, setting a DVFS application scheme for applying the DVFS to the target hardware, based on the operating scheme of the target hardware, and performing the DVFS on the target hardware, based on the DVFS application scheme.