Multi-Processor Graphics System Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphics processing systems face a trade-off between power consumption and performance, where high-performance processors consume excessive power, making them unsuitable for portable devices, while low-power processors compromise on performance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-processor graphics processing system that dynamically switches between a low-power and a high-performance graphics processor based on power conditions, disabling the high-performance processor during low-power conditions to minimize power consumption and enabling it when power is available to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high performance graphics processor is used, then graphics processing throughput is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low power and high performance graphics processors based on operational requirements. The high performance processor is enabled only when graphics processing throughput is needed, and disabled otherwise, making the system's processing capability adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphics processing function is segmented into two separate processors: a low power graphics processor for basic operations and a high performance graphics processor for demanding tasks. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate processor for each workload, avoiding the continuous power consumption of a single high-performance processor.
2Productivity
If a high performance graphics processor is used, then graphics processing capability is improved, but static power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high performance graphics processor is extracted from the always-on component set and placed in a separate power domain. It can be completely powered down when not needed, eliminating its static power consumption contribution to the system, while still being available for activation when high graphics processing capability is required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a low power graphics processor is used, then power consumption is reduced, but graphics processing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A switch component acts as an intermediary that routes graphics processing workloads to the appropriate processor. The switch enables the system to use the low power processor for normal operations while providing a path to activate the high performance processor when needed, mediating between power consumption and performance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for optimizing power usage and performance during data processing. A multi-processor graphics processing system includes a low power graphics processor and a high performance graphics processor. When a low power condition exists only the low power graphics processor is used to process graphics data and the high performance graphics processor is turned off. When turned off, the high performance graphics processor does not consume either static or dynamic power. When the low power condition does not exist, the high performance graphics processor is turned on and the low power graphics processor and the high performance graphics processor are used to process the graphics data.