Per-Core Power Measurement in Microprocessors via Replica Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies cannot measure per-core power consumption in real-time in multi-core microprocessors, leading to difficulties in performance optimization due to variable current distributions and measurement errors across multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing current sensing circuitry with strategically placed sense points throughout the microprocessor, using a replica voltage circuit and transistors to generate a scaled replica current, which is then converted into voltage and digitized for processing, allowing for accurate per-core power measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple current sensors are placed across different cores to measure per-core power consumption, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variable current distributions and measurement errors across multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single current sensor coupled to a replica power header circuit that replicates the electrical characteristics of each core's power header. By creating an identical copy of the power header circuitry for sensing purposes, the system achieves consistent and accurate measurements across all cores without requiring multiple sensors, thereby eliminating variability between sensors while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a replica power header circuit as an intermediary between the actual power headers and the current sensor. This intermediary circuit replicates the electrical characteristics of the power headers and allows a single sensor to accurately measure current for multiple cores, solving the problem of measurement consistency while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If area-intensive circuitry is placed within the processor to enable current sensing, then measurement capability is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current sensing function from the processor core area and places it in an external sensor core. The replica power header circuits are positioned outside the main processor area, allowing the processor to maintain its compact design while still enabling accurate per-core power consumption measurements through the external sensing infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time measurement of per-core power consumption, reducing measurement errors and optimizing performance by providing accurate and scalable current sensing without area-intensive circuitry within the processor.
Implementation Method 1
the replica voltage circuit being configured to provide a replicated output voltage in accordance with the output voltage
Implementation Method 2
the replica power header circuit being configured to couple to the power supply and the replicated output voltage to generate a replica current
Implementation Method 3
the transistor being configured to deliver the replica current
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include a circuit having a power header configured to couple to a power supply and to provide an output voltage. A sense circuit is coupled to the power header to receive the output voltage, the sense circuit including a replica voltage circuit coupled to a replica power header circuit and a transistor, the replica voltage circuit being configured to provide a replicated output voltage in accordance with the output voltage, the replica power header circuit being configured to couple to the power supply and the replicated output voltage to generate a replica current, the transistor being configured to deliver the replica current.