Instruction-Decoded Clock Waveform Synthesis for Fine-Grain Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock frequency manipulation methods in high-speed processors lack sufficient granularity and responsiveness, leading to inefficiencies in power management and performance optimization, particularly in integrated circuits operating in different modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing clock period synthesis (CPS) methods that dynamically adjust the clock period and duty cycle for each individual instruction cycle, using a fully-decoded high-speed shift register and microarchitecture-specific techniques to optimize power consumption and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional clock frequency manipulation methods are used, then implementation is simpler, but power management efficiency and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock period adjustment by decoding instructions at runtime to determine optimal clock periods for each instruction cycle, rather than using static frequency settings. This allows the clock waveform to adapt dynamically to computational workload, improving power efficiency while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity through systematic decoding logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock period parameter based on decoded instruction characteristics and computational mode detection. By analyzing instruction patterns and adjusting clock period accordingly, the system achieves fine-grained power management without requiring complete redesign of the clock generation architecture
2Productivity
If clock frequency is dynamically changed to optimize performance, then responsiveness improves, but waveform integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary decoding of incoming instructions to anticipate computational requirements before execution. By pre-determining the appropriate clock period based on instruction analysis, the system can switch clock frequencies without causing waveform integrity issues, as the changes are planned and controlled based on known instruction characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from instruction decoding and computational mode detection to adjust clock frequency. This closed-loop approach ensures that clock changes are made based on actual computational needs, maintaining waveform stability while optimizing throughput by avoiding unnecessary frequency changes
3Manufacturing precision
If clock frequency synthesis controllers provide discrete operating frequencies, then implementation cost is reduced, but granularity and optimization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock control function by having different components handle different aspects: a basic controller maintains discrete frequency options for simplicity, while an instruction decoder analyzes computational modes and selects appropriate frequencies. This segmentation achieves fine granularity through systematic selection without requiring the entire controller to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The instruction decoder serves multiple functions: it decodes incoming instructions, identifies computational modes, determines optimal clock periods, and controls clock frequency selection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate specialized controllers
4Speed
If PLL techniques are used for clock frequency synthesis, then frequency stability is improved, but switching time and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial PLL techniques by using PLL for generating stable base frequencies but avoiding full PLL re-lock sequences for every frequency change. Instead, the system pre-loads frequency settings and uses controlled switching with minimal lock time, achieving faster response while maintaining sufficient stability for the application
Data Source
AI summary
Clock period synthesis for fine-grain power management is provided. Methods are described for enabling clock waveform synthesis for, in some embodiments, tensor or graphical processors that enable shorter runtime latency, higher computational job throughput, more efficient power management, and a lower implementation cost than alternative clock waveform methods. This Abstract and the independent Claims are concise signifiers of embodiments of the claimed inventions. The Abstract does not limit the scope of the claimed inventions.