Dynamic Voltage Scaling for IC Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuit (IC) devices face challenges in optimizing power consumption, as they often require larger power supplies and cooling systems due to high power consumption, especially in portable devices, and typically compromise between performance and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves dynamically controlling the operating voltage of IC devices to adjust frequency of operation, minimizing power consumption by monitoring and characterizing performance under varying conditions, including manufacturing process, voltage, and temperature, using a combination of device fabrication, hardware, and software techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operating voltage is increased to support higher frequency operation, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling that allows the operating voltage to be adjusted in real-time based on the actual processing requirements. The system transitions from static voltage design to dynamic voltage control, enabling the processor to operate at lower voltages during idle periods and higher voltages only when high-performance computation is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter dynamically to match the required processing frequency. By establishing a relationship between voltage and maximum operating frequency, and adjusting voltage based on actual needs, the system achieves optimal power-performance tradeoff without compromising productivity when high performance is required
2Productivity
If the processor is designed to accommodate the highest anticipated frequency, then maximum performance capability is improved, but power consumption during idle periods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing the maximum performance capability (excessive capability) but only utilizing it partially when needed. The system maintains the ability to operate at high frequencies when required while spending most time at lower frequencies, thus achieving the contradiction resolution between having high performance capability and minimizing idle energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic voltage scaling mechanism allows the system to switch between different operating points, maintaining high performance capability while actually operating at lower power levels during idle periods. The voltage is adjusted dynamically rather than being fixed at the maximum level
3Use of energy by moving object
If monitoring and power down mechanisms are implemented to conserve battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but system responsiveness and performance availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of system activity to determine when to adjust voltage levels. Rather than continuous full-power operation or complete power down, the system periodically assesses workload requirements and adjusts voltage accordingly, maintaining responsiveness while conserving battery life through rhythmic optimization cycles
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for dynamically controlling the maximum frequency of operation of the IC is provided. The invention optimizes power consumption in a device by measuring a current maximum frequency of operation and adjusting IC operating voltage to provide a desired maximum operating frequency. The invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling multiple voltages in an IC to independently adjust maximum operating frequencies for a plurality of separate portions of the IC. The invention may equally be applied to a group of ICs. The invention further provides a method for calibrating an IC. Thus, the apparatus facilitates the operation of an IC at a minimum voltage for a selected maximum frequency, thereby minimizing power consumption overall a wide range of operating frequencies.