3D Graphics Accelerator Voltage Control via Dynamic Frequency Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D graphics accelerators in portable devices face challenges in maintaining performance while reducing power consumption, as they require lower power due to limited battery capacity and need to operate efficiently to display images within a given time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) to control the voltage and frequency of 3D graphics accelerators, determining optimal voltage and frequency based on characteristic values from graphics data to maintain frames per second (FPS) within a predetermined threshold, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voltage and frequency are increased to maintain image generation performance within a given time, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment based on real-time FPS monitoring. The system continuously adapts voltage and frequency levels according to actual rendering performance requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic control to optimize both power consumption and image generation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes voltage and frequency parameters dynamically based on FPS thresholds. When FPS exceeds the threshold, voltage and frequency are reduced; when FPS falls below the threshold, they are increased. This parameter adjustment strategy resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual performance needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is reduced to decrease power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but image generation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs FPS feedback to control voltage and frequency adjustments. By monitoring FPS as a feedback signal, the system determines whether to increase or decrease voltage, ensuring that power consumption is reduced only when performance requirements are still met, thus preventing excessive speed degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage and frequency adjustment based on real-time FPS monitoring. The system continuously adapts voltage and frequency levels according to actual rendering performance requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic control to optimize both power consumption and image generation speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage scaling is implemented to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulation by monitoring its own FPS output and automatically adjusting voltage and frequency without external intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems while achieving power optimization through autonomous adaptation to performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPS metric serves multiple functions: it indicates performance level, triggers voltage/frequency adjustments, and validates power saving effectiveness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving dynamic power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, medium, and apparatus controlling a 3D graphics accelerator. The apparatus may include a voltage controller to determine a voltage and frequency supplied to the 3D graphics accelerator by using the 3D graphics data, so that a frames per second (FPS) of the image does not exceed a predetermined threshold, and a voltage supplier to supply a voltage and the frequency to the 3D graphics accelerator. The voltage and frequency supplied to the 3D graphics accelerator may be adjusted by a DVS technique so that the FPS of the generated image does not exceed the predetermined threshold. Accordingly, it is possible to control power consumption of the 3D graphics accelerator while maintaining performance at or above a given level. In particular, it is possible to very efficiently process a small amount of 3D graphics data with low power in a portable device.