GPU Instruction Scheduling for Resonant Voltage Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphics processing units (GPUs) face reliability issues due to resonant frequencies causing voltage fluctuations, leading to voltage emergencies and timing/memory retention errors, especially in systems with high thread processing loads.

Innovation Solution

A method to detect resonance frequencies and adjust activity levels of graphics instructions based on threshold resonance frequencies, using an adjustment component to manage workload scheduling and reduce voltage deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If GPU operates with high thread processing loads to improve productivity, then processing throughput increases, but resonant frequency voltage fluctuations worsen causing reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread processing throughputVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by adjusting the activity level of graphics instructions based on detected resonance frequencies. The system periodically monitors for resonance conditions and dynamically modulates instruction execution patterns to avoid operating at resonant frequencies, thereby preventing voltage fluctuations while maintaining high throughput during non-resonant periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by detecting resonance frequencies and adjusting the activity level of graphics instructions accordingly. When a resonance frequency is detected, the system modifies execution parameters (such as instruction issuance rates or thread scheduling) to shift operation away from the resonant condition, thus maintaining stability without sacrificing overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If GPU uses higher voltage guard bands to prevent voltage emergencies, then reliability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage emergency preventionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by continuously monitoring for resonance frequencies and using this information to dynamically adjust graphics instruction activity levels. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain reliability by avoiding voltage emergencies only when necessary (during resonance conditions) rather than continuously using high voltage guard bands, thereby reducing overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static voltage guard banding to dynamic activity level adjustment. By detecting resonance frequencies in real-time and adaptively modifying instruction execution patterns, the system achieves reliable operation with lower average power consumption, as it only increases activity levels (and associated power usage) when needed to avoid resonant conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260044921A1Resonant voltage noise-free architecture for graphics processors

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects presented herein relate to methods and devices for graphics processing including an apparatus, e.g., a GPU. The apparatus may obtain an indication of a set of graphics instructions. The apparatus may also determine whether each graphics instruction in the set of graphics instructions is associated with a resonance frequency that is above or below a threshold. Further, the apparatus may adjust an activity level for each graphics instruction in the set of graphics instructions based on the resonance frequency being above or below the threshold.