Independent Power Control Logic for Multi-Core Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems and microprocessors lack independent control over power states of processing cores, requiring additional control circuitry and time to change power states, which can degrade performance and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing power control logic that allows each processing core to adjust its power consumption independently by controlling voltage and clock signals without coordinating with other cores, using mechanisms like voltage transformers and phase lock loops, enabling cores to enter different power states based on activity levels or thermal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If power state changes are coordinated among multiple processing cores using polling or detection techniques, then power consumption can be controlled, but additional control circuitry is required and processing performance degrades due to additional time required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power control system into independent per-core control units, where each core has its own power control logic that operates autonomously without requiring system-wide coordination or polling. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional control circuitry to manage power states across multiple cores while maintaining the ability to control power consumption independently for each core.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If polling or detection techniques are used to detect power states of other processing cores, then power state coordination is achieved, but additional time is required before power state changes can occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each processing core is equipped with autonomous power control logic that independently determines and executes power state changes based on local conditions without requiring detection or coordination with other cores. This self-service approach eliminates polling overhead and enables immediate power state transitions when conditions warrant, reducing the time loss associated with traditional coordinated power management.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If additional control circuitry is added to coordinate power state changes among processing cores, then power state control is improved, but the processor draws more power, offsetting the power consumption reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmented, distributed power control where each core manages its own power state independently through integrated control logic rather than relying on centralized control circuitry. This eliminates the need for additional control hardware while maintaining comprehensive power management capability across all cores.
Solution Approach 2:
Each processing core autonomously manages its own power state through built-in control logic that responds to local workload and thermal conditions without requiring external control signals or coordination infrastructure. This self-service model eliminates the power overhead of additional control circuitry while preserving full power state control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Independent power control of two or more processing cores. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a technique to place at least one processing core in a power state without coordinating with the power state of one or more other processing cores.