Dynamic Voltage Adjustment for IC Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face significant power consumption challenges due to voltage, temperature, and material variations, especially in high load conditions, leading to inefficient energy use and reduced operation time in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine and adjust the supply voltage level of integrated circuits based on load conditions, measuring temperature and electric properties in both high and low load scenarios, and storing these values for reliable operation, thereby reducing power consumption by minimizing safety margins in high load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is applied to ensure reliable operation in high load conditions, then stability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring load conditions and adapting the supply voltage accordingly. The system transitions from static voltage application to dynamic voltage scaling, adjusting voltage levels in real-time based on actual operational demands. This resolves the contradiction by applying high voltage only when necessary for stability while reducing voltage during lower load conditions to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on load conditions. By monitoring system load and adjusting the supply voltage parameter accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between stability and power consumption. The voltage is increased to ensure stable operation during high load conditions and reduced during lower load conditions, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If safety margins are applied to supply voltages to guarantee reliable operation under all conditions, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases even during low load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static safety margin application with dynamic adjustment mechanisms. Instead of always applying maximum safety margins, the system monitors actual load conditions and adjusts voltage levels dynamically, applying safety margins only when necessary. This eliminates unnecessary power consumption during low load conditions while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by monitoring its own operational state and automatically modulating voltage levels. The integrated circuit monitors its load conditions and triggers voltage adjustments autonomously, eliminating the need for external control and enabling real-time optimization of the balance between reliability and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but operating speed decreases due to voltage dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage-frequency coordination where voltage and frequency are adjusted together based on load conditions. When voltage is reduced to save power, the system also proportionally reduces frequency requirements, maintaining performance-to-power ratios. This dynamic coordination allows the system to operate at lower power consumption levels while accepting appropriate speed reductions matched to actual computational needs.
4Reliability
If high voltage is applied to compensate for material variations and temperature effects, then reliability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment that responds to temperature conditions. When temperature rises indicating potential reliability issues, the system increases voltage to compensate. When temperature is low, the system reduces voltage to minimize heat generation. This dynamic thermal-aware voltage control resolves the contradiction by applying high voltage only when temperature conditions warrant it for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, module, apparatus, use, and computer program product are shown for determining a supply voltage level for operating an integrated circuit. To allow exact voltage level calibration, a high load condition is provided to the integrated circuit, a first voltage level of the integrated circuit is adjusted to provide a stable operation of the integrated circuit in the high load condition, a temperature of the integrated circuit in the high load condition is measured, the measured temperature in the high load condition is stored along with the adjusted first voltage level in the high load condition.