Dynamic Frequency Control for Thermal Management in System Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits, particularly system-on-chip (SoC) devices, face performance degradation and potential shutdown due to excessive heat, as they consume more power and generate higher temperatures when operating at high frequencies, leading to suboptimal computing speeds when frequency reduction is implemented to manage temperature.
Innovation Solution
A performance management method that includes a temperature sensor and control module to adjust the operating frequency of the system processor by initiating gradual frequency reduction and slow increase procedures based on predefined temperature settings, ensuring the device operates within safe temperature ranges and maintains optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the operating frequency of the system processor is reduced to lower temperature, then the temperature is controlled within safe ranges, but the computing speed and performance significantly decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by dividing temperature thresholds into multiple levels (first temperature threshold and second temperature threshold) and corresponding frequency adjustment strategies. The system dynamically selects different frequency reduction rates based on the current temperature level, enabling adaptive performance management that balances temperature control with computing speed maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter based on temperature conditions. By establishing a correspondence between temperature ranges and frequency adjustment rates, the system modifies the frequency parameter dynamically - using a first frequency reduction rate when temperature exceeds the first threshold but remains below the second threshold, and a second (higher) frequency reduction rate when temperature exceeds the second threshold, thereby optimizing both thermal management and performance.
2Productivity
If the operating frequency is increased to maintain computing performance, then the processing speed is maintained, but the temperature exceeds safe operating limits causing shutdown or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary temperature management by proactively reducing frequency when temperature exceeds the first threshold before reaching critical levels. This preventive approach uses the first frequency reduction rate to lower temperature in advance, preventing the system from reaching dangerous temperature zones that would cause shutdown or damage, thereby maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature and adjusting frequency based on temperature threshold comparisons. The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to dynamically modify operating frequency, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that maintains system reliability through automated temperature-performance balancing.
3Device complexity
If a single temperature threshold is used for frequency reduction, then the implementation is simple, but the performance management is insufficient and computing speed drops too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control mechanism into multiple threshold levels (first temperature threshold and second temperature threshold) with corresponding frequency adjustment strategies. This segmentation divides the temperature management task into distinct stages, allowing the system to apply different frequency reduction rates appropriate to each temperature level, thereby maintaining better performance while managing temperature effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively maintains the electronic device in an optimal operating state by rapidly reducing and slowly increasing the frequency, preventing shutdowns and damage from excessive temperatures while ensuring optimal performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a temperature of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A performance management method and an electronic device are provided. The method is applied to the electronic device with a system processor and includes: sensing a temperature of the electronic device and determining whether the temperature is greater than a first temperature setting value; when the temperature is not greater than the first temperature setting value, initiating a frequency increasing procedure; when the temperature is greater than the first temperature setting value, determining whether the temperature is greater than a second temperature setting value, where the second temperature setting value is greater than the first temperature setting value; when the temperature is greater than the first temperature setting value and is not greater than the second temperature setting value, initiating a first frequency reducing procedure; and when the temperature is greater than the second temperature setting value, initiating a second frequency reducing procedure or turning off the system processor.