Hardware Module Dynamic Waiting State Control via Timer Interrupts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hardware modules, such as AI processors, face inefficiencies in energy-saving states, leading to increased power consumption and task execution delays when frequently entering and exiting energy-saving states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a timer module to determine current waiting durations and generate interrupt signals, allowing the hardware module to switch between different waiting states based on program information, balancing energy saving and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the hardware module frequently enters and exits the energy-saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but task execution is delayed and additional power consumption is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state management by introducing multiple waiting states (first waiting state and second waiting state) with different power consumption characteristics. The hardware module can transition between these states based on the duration of the waiting period, rather than using a single static energy-saving state. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between power savings and response time based on actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of waiting state duration by introducing a timer mechanism that tracks waiting duration. Based on the elapsed time, the system determines whether to transition to a deeper waiting state or maintain a lighter one. This parameter-based differentiation resolves the contradiction by matching the energy-saving level to the actual waiting time required.
2Loss of energy
If the hardware module enters a deep energy-saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but the delay in exiting the state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy-saving state into multiple levels (first waiting state and second waiting state) with different power consumption and exit speeds. Instead of using a single deep energy-saving state that always has slow exit, the system divides the waiting period into segments where the hardware module can remain in a lighter state for shorter durations and only enter deeper states when appropriate, thus maintaining faster exit capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate waiting state based on the current waiting duration and task requirements. The timer mechanism enables real-time assessment of how long the hardware module has been waiting, allowing the system to transition to deeper power-saving states only when the waiting period justifies the slower exit time, thereby dynamically balancing power consumption and exit speed.
3Productivity
If the hardware module remains in a light waiting state, then task execution speed is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic state transitions based on time intervals measured by the timer. The hardware module periodically evaluates the waiting duration and transitions between different waiting states at these periodic intervals. This periodic action allows the system to maintain light waiting states for short periods (preserving execution speed) while transitioning to deeper power-saving states during extended waiting periods, thus balancing productivity and energy consumption over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for controlling a hardware module, electronic device and storage medium. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may include: timing a waiting state of the hardware module to obtain a current waiting duration of the hardware module when it enters a first waiting state; generating an interrupt signal based on the current waiting duration; determining program information corresponding to the current waiting duration under triggering from the interrupt signal; executing an action corresponding to the program information for the hardware module, and controlling it to enter a second waiting state. In the present disclosure, the hardware module is controlled to execute actions corresponding to different programs based on different waiting durations through an interrupt mechanism, thus controlling the hardware module to switch between waiting states with different power consumption, and achieving a good balance between energy saving and performance.