Interrupt Controller Power State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, particularly portable ones, interrupt handling circuitry often remains in a full power state even when other system components are idle, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A system with an interrupt controller that can be placed in a low power state when idle, and an interrupt power control circuit that asserts a wakeup signal to resume operation upon receiving an interrupt request, allowing the interrupt controller to exit the low power state and handle interrupts efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interrupt controller remains in a full power state to handle interrupts, then interrupt handling capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt controller dynamically transitions between power states based on system activity. When idle, it enters a low power state to reduce consumption. When an interrupt occurs, the power control circuit wakes the interrupt controller from the low power state, allowing it to handle the interrupt. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability only when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
An interrupt power control circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the interrupt controller and the power management system. This control circuit monitors interrupt conditions and manages the wake-up process, enabling the interrupt controller to efficiently transition between power states without compromising interrupt handling capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the interrupt controller is placed in a low power state to reduce power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but interrupt response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt power control circuit performs preliminary monitoring of interrupt conditions even when the interrupt controller is in a low power state. When an interrupt occurs, the control circuit is already prepared to immediately wake the interrupt controller, minimizing the delay between interrupt occurrence and handler execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt power control circuit acts as a mediator that bridges the low power state and interrupt handling requirement. It maintains awareness of interrupt conditions while allowing the interrupt controller to save power, and manages the transition when wake-up is needed to minimize response time latency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for power managed interrupt handling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more agents that may invoke an interrupt request. An interrupt controller is configured to receive and process the interrupt requests. When idle, the interrupt controller may be placed in a low power state. The system also includes an interrupt power control circuit coupled to receive interrupt request indications from each of the one or more agents that may invoke interrupts. The interrupt power control circuit is configured to assert a wakeup signal responsive to receiving an indication of an interrupt request from one of the agents. If the interrupt controller is in a low power state, it may exit the state and resume operation in an active state responsive to assertion of the wakeup signal.