Microprocessor Clock Frequency Adjustment in Industrial Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in reducing microprocessor energy consumption while maintaining real-time operation, as existing methods for adjusting clock frequency are not suitable for all automation arrangements and can cause delays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the degree of utilization of automation components by recording the main program cycle runtime, using this as a benchmark to adjust the microprocessor clock frequency based on required computing power, and implementing a hysteresis-based switching characteristic to avoid unnecessary frequency changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the clock frequency of the microprocessor is reduced to lower energy consumption, then power usage decreases, but processing delays occur that are unacceptable in real-time industrial automation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring the runtime of the main program cycle and adapting the clock frequency in real-time. The microprocessor operates at different clock frequencies depending on the current computational load, transitioning between frequency levels based on measured performance metrics. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce power consumption during low-load periods while maintaining sufficient processing speed when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and real-time performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the microprocessor by adjusting the clock frequency based on the runtime characteristics of the main program cycle. The system measures the actual execution time of control programs and uses this information to select appropriate clock frequency levels, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and processing performance according to actual operational demands rather than using a fixed frequency
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing clock frequency adjustment methods from personal computers are applied to industrial automation components, then energy saving functionality is provided, but delays occur that are not tolerable in real-time operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the runtime of the main program cycle and uses this information to adjust the clock frequency. The system measures actual performance metrics and feeds this information back to the clock frequency control logic, which then adapts the operating frequency accordingly. This closed-loop feedback approach ensures that real-time performance requirements are maintained while optimizing energy consumption, distinguishing the solution from open-loop frequency management approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The automation component performs self-adjustment of its clock frequency based on its own operational characteristics. The system autonomously monitors its main program cycle runtime and independently decides when to adjust the clock frequency without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the component to optimize its own energy consumption while guaranteeing real-time performance, making the solution suitable for industrial automation where external control may not be available or desirable
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an automation component for adjusting the clock frequency (T) of a microprocessor (CPU) in an industrial automation arrangement, wherein the clock frequency (T) of the microprocessor (CPU) is selected depending on the required computing power. In a first step, the required time (LZ) for executing the main program cycle of a control program running on the automation component is determined; in a second step, this time (LZ) is compared with a maximum value (PD); and in a third step, depending on the result of the comparison, the new clock frequency (T) is determined and used for the microprocessor (CPU).This method and automation component makes it possible to dynamically adjust the clock frequency (T) of the microprocessor (CPU), ensuring that the required computing power is always provided while avoiding an unnecessarily high clock frequency (T), thereby achieving a corresponding saving in energy or a reduction in power loss.