Hardware Voltage Frequency Scaling for Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software-based dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) for processors incurs additional computational stress and is architecture-dependent, leading to non-optimal power optimization and increased complexity in providing generic power optimization control across various processor architectures.

Innovation Solution

A hardware-based voltage and frequency scaling system that determines power supply voltage and clock frequency settings independently of processor architecture, using workload and throughput feedback to predict and adjust performance settings within a finite set of values, thereby reducing computational overhead and optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If software-based DVFS control is implemented, then power optimization control can be provided, but additional computational stress is placed on the processor and the implementation becomes architecture-dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcomputational overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based DVFS control with a hardware-based voltage and frequency scaling system. This substitution eliminates the computational overhead of running DVFS software on the processor while maintaining power optimization capabilities. The hardware system independently monitors workload and controls voltage/frequency adjustments without burdening the processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated hardware intermediary component (voltage and frequency scaling system) that acts as a mediator between the processor and power management functions. This intermediary handles all DVFS operations independently, preventing architecture-dependency issues while optimizing power consumption without impacting processor performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If software-based DVFS control is implemented, then power optimization can be achieved, but the processor experiences slowed performance due to computation burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If software-based DVFS control is implemented, then power optimization control can be provided, but it becomes difficult to provide generic control across various processor architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidarchitecture independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal hardware-based voltage and frequency scaling system that can be applied across different processor architectures. This system provides architecture-independent power optimization by using generic workload monitoring and throughput feedback mechanisms that work with various processor types, eliminating the need for architecture-specific software implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9436263B2Systems and methods for power optimization using throughput feedback

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A voltage and frequency scaling system for a processor is provided that may be implemented in dedicated logic or in software. The various voltage and frequency settings for the processor comprise a set of performance settings. The system includes a profiler module that maps each performance setting to a workload range for the processor. The profiler module also maps each workload range to a profiled throughput for the processor. Using a predicated average throughput from the mapping, the voltage and frequency scaling system advantageously selects from the performance settings and commands the processor to operate according to the selected performance setting.