Microprocessor Standby Management for Multi-Core Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of standby in microprocessors with simultaneous multi-threading technology degrades performance in high performance computing applications, particularly in scientific computing, due to inefficient resource management between logical cores.
Innovation Solution
A method for optimizing the standby management of microprocessors by determining and comparing the desired standby states of logical cores, launching instructions for standby or restoration only when necessary, and estimating the standby state of the microprocessor based on the desired states of all logical cores, thereby reducing unnecessary disturbances and improving resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If standby management functions are activated in microprocessors with simultaneous multi-threading, then energy consumption is reduced, but performance degrades in high performance computing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating standby management between logical cores. The method determines desired standby states individually for each logical core based on its specific activity state, allowing some cores to enter standby while others remain active, thereby optimizing energy consumption without uniformly degrading performance across all cores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic standby management where the standby state of each logical core is determined dynamically based on its current activity state. The system continuously monitors and adjusts standby states, transitioning cores between active and standby modes as needed, which resolves the contradiction by adapting energy management to actual workload conditions rather than applying static management
2Adaptability or versatility
If logical cores are implemented in microprocessors, then resource utilization is improved, but standby management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a determination function that mediates between multiple logical cores and the standby management system. This function evaluates the activity state of each logical core and determines the appropriate standby state, simplifying the complexity by providing a centralized decision-making layer rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple cores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the standby management problem by treating each logical core independently. The determination function evaluates each core's activity state separately and determines standby states individually, which simplifies the overall management complexity by breaking down the multi-core problem into manageable single-core decisions that can be made independently
3Loss of energy
If standby operations are frequently launched for logical cores, then energy consumption is reduced, but performance degrades due to unnecessary disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively launching standby operations only for logical cores that are actually in an inactive or low-activity state. The determination function evaluates each core's activity state and launches standby operations only when appropriate, avoiding excessive standby operations that would cause unnecessary performance disturbances while still achieving energy savings for the relevant cores
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is in particular the optimization of standby management of a part of a microprocessor allowing implementation of at least two logic cores, said at least one microprocessor comprising means for placing at least one resource non common to said at least two logic cores on standby. After having determined (400) a desired standby state for each of said at least two logic cores, said desired standby state of one of said at least two logic cores is compared with the said desired standby state of the other of said at least two logic cores. In response to said comparison, instructions preparing for said placement on standby and/or allowing the restoration of said one of said at least two logic cores are launched (420).