Energy Barrier Instructions for Computing System Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computing systems face inefficiencies due to the complexity of scheduling processes based on energy availability, requiring external schedulers and additional adaptations, which can lead to energy-intensive reconfigurations and interruptions when energy is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating energy barrier instructions within the processor's instruction set, allowing the system to request energy availability before executing critical operations and entering an energy conserving mode if sufficient energy is not available, eliminating the need for a separate scheduler and simplifying energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate scheduler is used to manage energy availability, then energy management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scheduler functionality directly into the processing unit by incorporating a scheduler module within the CPU architecture. This integration eliminates the need for a separate external scheduler while maintaining energy management capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions including both general-purpose computation and dedicated scheduling operations. The scheduler module within the processing unit can manage multiple processes and energy-related tasks simultaneously, providing universal energy management across different operational contexts
2Use of energy by moving object
If processes are interrupted and reconfigured due to insufficient energy, then energy availability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduler module proactively monitors energy availability and preemptively adjusts process scheduling before energy depletion occurs. By predicting energy constraints and reconfiguring processes in advance, the system avoids abrupt interruptions and maintains continuous productive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling algorithm dynamically adapts to real-time energy conditions, continuously adjusting process priorities and execution timing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both energy utilization and productivity by flexibly responding to changing energy availability without rigid process interruptions
3Use of energy by moving object
If external schedulers are used for energy-aware computing, then energy efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit's integrated scheduler automatically manages energy allocation and process scheduling without requiring external intervention or complex configuration. The system self-adjusts to energy conditions and application requirements, making energy-efficient operation transparent and easy to use
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a computing system comprising: a processing unit; and a program memory associated with the processing unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to retrieve from the program memory and execute instructions specifying one or more operations and at least one energy barrier instruction, the energy barrier instruction comprising a threshold energy, wherein the energy barrier instruction, when executed, causes the processing unit to: request a first indication that the threshold energy is currently available; if the first indication is received, execute the one or more operations: if the first indication is not received, enter an energy conserving mode. Also described herein is a method for operating a computing system.