Dynamic Voltage Frequency Control via Integrated Regulator Clock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems face inefficiencies due to delayed and mismatched frequency and voltage adjustments in response to changing processor loads, leading to wasted power consumption, performance issues, and instability.
Innovation Solution
A system where the processor voltage regulator and system clock generator are directly coupled, allowing for real-time detection of processor loads and dynamic adjustment of both voltage and frequency to match computational demands, eliminating the need for external components and reducing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional voltage regulators and clock generators are used with external components for load detection and control, then the system can detect processor load and adjust voltage and frequency, but there is delayed response and mismatched adjustments leading to wasted power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulator and clock generator into a single integrated controller that directly monitors processor load and simultaneously adjusts both voltage and frequency. This eliminates the need for external components and sequential adjustments, reducing response delay and ensuring coordinated changes that prevent power waste from mismatched parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller continuously monitors processor load and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust voltage and frequency in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that voltage and frequency are adjusted together based on actual processor needs, eliminating the delayed response and mismatched adjustments that occur in conventional systems with separate control components.
2Reliability
If voltage and frequency are adjusted separately using external components, then individual parameters can be controlled, but the adjustments are mismatched and cause system instability and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the voltage regulator and clock generator into one integrated controller, the patent ensures that voltage and frequency adjustments are made together based on the same processor load assessment. This unified control approach eliminates mismatches between parameters that cause instability, while the integration itself reduces the overall system complexity by removing external components and coordination interfaces.
3Productivity
If the processor operates at higher voltage and frequency, then performance is enhanced, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency based on real-time processor load conditions. When the processor is under heavy load, both voltage and frequency are increased to maximize performance. When load is light, both are reduced to minimize power consumption. This dynamic coordination ensures that high performance is achieved only when necessary, eliminating the constant high power consumption of traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (voltage and frequency) of the processor based on detected load conditions. By coordinating changes in both parameters simultaneously through the integrated controller, the system achieves high performance when needed while consuming less power during low-demand periods, resolving the trade-off between productivity and energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, apparatuses, and methods for dynamic frequency and voltage control of components used in a computer system. A system includes a processor voltage regulator and a system clock generator directly operably with each other. The processor voltage regulator provides a core voltage signal to a processor, and is configured to detect a present processor load state of the processor. The system clock generator is for providing a system clock signal to the processor. At least one of the processor voltage regulator or the system clock generator is further configured determine a desired frequency of the system clock signal responsive to the present processor load state, and determine a voltage level for the core voltage signal suitably paired with the desired frequency for proper operation of the processor at the desired frequency. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided.