Multi-core Dynamic Frequency Control Voltage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-core processors, cores that are not controlling the system frequency waste power by operating at higher frequencies and voltages, even when they do not require increased performance, due to the trade-offs between operating voltage and frequency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core processor system where each core determines if it controls the system frequency, using internal voltage control to reduce voltage when not controlling frequency, and external pervasive control when controlling frequency, optimizing power usage by managing leakage power on lightly loaded cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single core increases system frequency to meet performance requirements, then system performance is improved, but other cores waste power by operating at higher frequency and voltage than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage control function into two independent systems: a pervasive voltage control system that manages voltage for cores controlling system frequency, and local voltage control modules within each core that manage voltage for non-controlling cores. This segmentation allows independent optimization of voltage levels for different core groups, enabling non-controlling cores to operate at lower voltages and reduce power consumption while maintaining system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different voltage control strategies for different cores based on their role. Controlling cores receive voltage control from the pervasive control system to ensure system-wide frequency requirements are met, while non-controlling cores use local voltage control modules to operate at optimized lower voltages. This local quality approach allows each core to operate at the minimum necessary voltage level, reducing overall power consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If all cores operate at the same frequency to maintain synchronization, then system stability is improved, but non-controlling cores cannot reduce voltage and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by separating voltage control from frequency control. While all cores maintain the same frequency for synchronization, cores are divided into two groups based on their voltage control source: controlling cores use pervasive voltage control, and non-controlling cores use local voltage control modules. This dimensional separation allows voltage optimization without compromising frequency synchronization and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local voltage control modules as intermediary components within each core that can independently adjust voltage levels for non-controlling cores. These modules act as mediators between the core's frequency requirements and power consumption optimization, enabling voltage reduction without affecting the core's operational frequency or system synchronization.
3Productivity
If dynamic frequency control adjusts system clock based on core requirements, then performance optimization is improved, but voltage must be increased for frequency increases affecting all cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control function into pervasive control for frequency-adjustment scenarios and local control for power-saving scenarios. When dynamic frequency control increases system clock based on any core's requirements, only controlling cores receive increased voltage from the pervasive control system, while non-controlling cores maintain lower voltage levels through their local voltage control modules. This segmentation allows performance optimization without proportionally increasing power consumption across all cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage control parameter distribution dynamically based on core roles. Controlling cores receive voltage adjustments that match system frequency changes, while non-controlling cores maintain fixed or optimized lower voltage levels. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve performance optimization through frequency increases while minimizing the voltage increase and associated power consumption by applying voltage changes selectively to only the necessary cores.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided in which a multi-core processor's first core determines whether it controls a system frequency that drives a group of cores included in the multi-core processor. When the first core is not controlling the system frequency for the group of cores, the first core uses an internal voltage control module to provide control information to the first core's programmable voltage regulator and, in turn, independently control the first core's voltage level. When the first core is controlling the system frequency, the first core receives voltage control information from pervasive control to control the first core's voltage levels.