Dynamic Voltage Control for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing energy consumption in electronic devices, such as digital processor circuits, face challenges in dynamically adapting operating voltage and clock frequency to minimize energy consumption while maintaining performance, especially due to variations in temperature and post-design variables.
Innovation Solution
A control system that dynamically adjusts the operating voltage and clock frequency of electronic devices by using a timing event detector to monitor errors and performance-related signals, thereby optimizing energy consumption by finding the threshold voltage at which energy consumption is minimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the operating voltage is reduced to minimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but timing errors increase due to operation near or below threshold voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where timing errors are detected and used to dynamically adjust the operating voltage. The system monitors timing errors and adjusts voltage in response to maintain operation above the threshold voltage, preventing excessive timing errors while minimizing energy consumption. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by automatically adapting voltage based on actual device behavior rather than using fixed conservative margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static voltage selection (using fixed look-up tables with safety margins) to dynamic voltage adjustment. The operating voltage is continuously adapted based on real-time conditions including timing error rates, temperature, and device variations. This dynamic approach allows the system to operate closer to the threshold voltage when conditions permit, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability through active monitoring and adjustment.
2Reliability
If a look-up table with safety margin is used to determine operating voltage, then reliability is improved by overcoming dynamic changes, but energy consumption increases due to conservative voltage selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the electronic device to self-adjust its operating voltage based on its own performance characteristics and environmental conditions. Rather than relying on pre-configured conservative look-up tables, the system autonomously monitors its own timing errors and adapts voltage accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for excessive safety margins while maintaining reliable operation, thereby reducing energy consumption without sacrificing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operating voltage parameter based on multiple factors including timing error rates, temperature variations, and device-specific characteristics. Instead of using a fixed voltage from a look-up table, the system continuously adjusts voltage to optimize the trade-off between energy consumption and operational reliability. This parameter adaptation allows the system to operate at lower voltages when conditions permit, reducing energy usage while maintaining stability through active monitoring.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the operating voltage is reduced below threshold voltage to minimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency is maximized, but functional failure occurs due to dramatic loss in performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from timing error detection to prevent operation below the threshold voltage. When timing errors indicate that the device is approaching or has crossed into the sub-threshold region, the system adjusts voltage upward to restore proper functionality. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system operates in the optimal region just above threshold voltage, maximizing energy efficiency while preventing functional failure and maintaining acceptable processing performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (100) for controlling operating voltage of an electronic device is presented. The electronic device is provided with a timing event detector responsive to timing events, such as errors, related to the operation of the electronic device. The control system comprises a controller (101) for decreasing the operating voltage when the rate of timing events is below a target level and for increasing the operating voltage when the rate of timing events exceeds the target level so as to search for a threshold voltage that is the smallest operating voltage at which the rate of timing events is substantially at the target level. The control system comprises a controllable clock signal generator (102) for producing a clock signal for operating the electronic device so that the clock frequency is according to an increasing function of the operating voltage. Thus, it is possible to find a voltage-frequency operating point where the energy consumption is minimized.