Dynamic Temperature Profile Configuration in Integrated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits lack the ability to dynamically configure their operating temperature profiles, limiting user and system integrator flexibility in energy conservation and heat management, particularly in applications where energy efficiency and heat sensitivity are critical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor, configurable temperature profile logic, and temperature control logic within integrated circuits, allowing for dynamic configuration of operating temperature ranges through interfaces like BIOS, OS, or application programming interfaces, and utilizing controllers such as duty cycle, frequency, core voltage, and fan controllers to maintain temperatures within specified ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed over-temperature threshold is programmed into a read-only register during manufacturing test, then the core temperature can be controlled within a fixed range, but the system cannot be dynamically configured for different operating conditions such as energy conservation or heat sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed temperature threshold stored in a read-only register into a dynamic, configurable temperature profile. The temperature profile logic can be modified at runtime through interfaces like system BIOS, operating system, or application programming interfaces, allowing the temperature control system to adapt to different operating conditions such as energy conservation mode or performance mode without requiring hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of temperature threshold from a fixed manufacturing-time constant to a runtime-configurable parameter. By allowing the over-temperature threshold to be programmatically adjusted through software interfaces, the system can dynamically modify its operating characteristics to match user needs or system requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If the operating frequency and voltage are stepped down to control temperature, then the core temperature remains within acceptable range, but energy efficiency and battery life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the temperature control strategy based on user-configured profiles. Instead of always stepping down frequency and voltage when temperature thresholds are approached, the system can maintain higher performance settings when configured for performance mode, or more conservatively manage temperature when configured for energy conservation mode, allowing flexible trade-offs between reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows runtime modification of temperature control parameters through configurable profiles. By changing the target temperature range and control thresholds dynamically, the system can optimize for either energy efficiency or performance reliability depending on current operational requirements, rather than being locked into a fixed conservative threshold that always prioritizes temperature control over energy consumption.
3Reliability
If a fixed temperature control range is used, then the integrated circuit operates reliably, but the user cannot configure temperature settings for specific needs such as extending battery life or reducing heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static temperature control range into a dynamic, user-configurable parameter set. Through the temperature profile logic and associated interfaces, users can define custom temperature ranges that balance reliability with their specific needs for battery life extension or heat reduction, allowing the system to adapt its operational characteristics while maintaining reliable operation within the configured parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dynamically configuring a temperature profile in an integrated circuit (IC). The method includes sensing temperature of the IC, configuring a reduced operating temperature range for the IC, and modulating at least one control mechanism to maintain the temperature of the IC within the reduced operating temperature range. The configuring includes precluding configuration of the reduced operating temperature range at unauthorized privilege levels.