Dynamic Voltage Selection for Multi-Core Power Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Less expensive system-on-chip (SoC) devices manage power by merging multiple domains on a single power rail, leading to unnecessary power consumption as cores operate at the maximum voltage specified by the highest voltage core, even when inactive, resulting in a power penalty of three to four percent.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically setting the operating voltage of a shared power rail in a multi-core electronic device by identifying voltage specifications for each core, reporting operating states, and selecting an optimal voltage based on active cores' states, which is then programmed into a voltage regulator to control the power rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single power rail is used to merge multiple domains in less expensive SoCs, then device cost is reduced, but power consumption increases due to cores operating at maximum voltage even when inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage selection by introducing a voltage selector that dynamically chooses between multiple voltage levels (first voltage level and second voltage level) based on the operational state of cores. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition from static maximum voltage operation to adaptive voltage scaling, reducing power consumption when full performance is not required while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a single power rail architecture.
2Reliability
If the highest voltage core determines the power rail voltage, then all cores can operate at sufficient voltage, but power penalty increases as inactive cores continue to consume maximum voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage levels to different operational contexts. The voltage selector determines whether to apply the first voltage level or second voltage level based on specific core operational states. This allows each core to receive appropriate voltage locally rather than forcing all cores to operate at the maximum voltage level, thereby eliminating the power penalty associated with inactive cores while ensuring active cores receive sufficient voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by introducing multiple voltage levels and a selection mechanism. The system transitions from a fixed voltage parameter (maximum voltage for all cores) to a variable voltage parameter that adapts based on core operational states. This parameter change enables the system to optimize power consumption by selecting appropriate voltage levels rather than continuously operating at maximum voltage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage selection is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases with additional voltage control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a voltage selector that serves multiple functions: it monitors core operational states, determines appropriate voltage levels, and controls voltage distribution across the system. This single multi-functional component handles the entire dynamic voltage selection process, avoiding the need for separate complex control circuits for each core or domain, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving power reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus sets an operating voltage of a shared power rail in a multi-core electronic device. The apparatus includes a system-on-chip (SoC) having multiple cores with each core in the SoC configured to report an operating status. The apparatus includes an operating state aggregator configured to receive the operating status reported from each core in the SoC and to select the selected operating voltage based on the operating status from each core. A voltage regulator is in communication with the operating state aggregator and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The selected operating voltage is then programmed into the (PMIC) to control the shared power rail.