Dynamic Power Control in Processing Units for Variable Data Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems face inefficiencies in managing power consumption of processing units due to varying data processing loads, leading to suboptimal energy usage and performance.

Innovation Solution

A processing unit with dynamic power control capabilities that adjusts the power distribution among data processing pipelines based on the incoming data rate, utilizing a data monitor and power controller to determine and manage power allocation dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all data processing pipelines are continuously powered on to handle peak data loads, then processing capability and productivity are improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power state of data processing pipelines based on real-time monitoring of incoming data rates. The power controller receives data rate information from the data monitor and selectively powers on or off pipelines to match current processing demands, transitioning from static full-power operation to dynamic adaptive power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the processing unit by adjusting the number of active pipelines based on the data rate parameter. When data rates are low, fewer pipelines remain active; when data rates increase, additional pipelines are activated, creating a direct relationship between input workload and processing resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the number of powered pipelines is reduced to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but processing capacity and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoiddata processing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where the data monitor continuously measures incoming data rates and provides this information to the power controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust pipeline power states, ensuring that processing capacity is scaled appropriately to match actual workload demands without over-provisioning or under-provisioning resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit autonomously manages its own power consumption by internally monitoring data rates and automatically adjusting pipeline power states without external intervention. The power controller and data monitor work together within the processing unit to self-regulate power allocation based on real-time processing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If dynamic power control is implemented to match power allocation with data rates, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower wasteVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is segmented into distinct functional components: data monitoring elements that measure incoming data rates, power control elements that receive monitoring data and make decisions, and pipeline elements that execute processing tasks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250315267A1Dynamic power control in a processing unit

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Various example embodiments of a processing unit power control capability are presented herein. The processing unit power control capability may be configured to support dynamic power control within a processing unit that includes a set of data processing pipelines by dynamically controlling powering of the data processing pipelines. The processing unit power control capability may be configured to support dynamic power control within a processing unit that includes a set of data processing pipelines by dynamically controlling powering of the data processing pipelines based on a parameter indicative of an incoming data rate of data to the processing unit.