Multicore Processor Current Control via Analog Comparators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicore processors are limited in performance due to external voltage regulators constraining frequency and voltage to prevent overcurrent states, resulting in underutilization of the processor's capabilities even during normal operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of analog current comparators and power management agents within the multicore processor allows for individual core throttling based on current measurements, enabling local control of current utilization and exceeding external overcurrent thresholds for short durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external voltage regulator constrains frequency and voltage to prevent overcurrent states, then component damage is prevented, but processor performance capability is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multicore processor into individual cores, each with its own current sensor and throttling control. This segmentation allows independent current monitoring and throttling decisions for each core, enabling the system to safely utilize higher current thresholds on a per-core basis rather than applying a conservative global limit, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where current sensors continuously monitor current utilization by each core and provide this information to control circuitry. The control circuitry then adjusts throttling decisions based on real-time current measurements, allowing the system to dynamically operate near safety thresholds without actually exceeding them, thereby achieving both high performance and component protection
2Reliability
If PCU constrains voltage and frequency to settings that never exceed overcurrent threshold, then overcurrent state is avoided, but processor operates at fraction of performance capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static voltage and frequency constraints with dynamic current-based throttling control. Instead of permanently limiting operations to conservative settings, the system dynamically adjusts core operation based on real-time current measurements, allowing the processor to flexibly operate at high performance levels when safe and automatically throttle only when approaching current thresholds, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
3Reliability
If external voltage regulator enters overcurrent state and shuts off, then component damage is prevented, but processor operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having current sensors continuously monitor current utilization before the overcurrent threshold is reached. The control circuitry uses this advance information to proactively throttle cores before an overcurrent state occurs, preventing the regulator from ever entering a shutdown state. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both component protection and continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with current control for a multicore processor are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a multicore processor may include a plurality of analog current comparators, each analog current comparator to measure current utilization by a corresponding one of the cores of the multicore processor. The multicore processor may include one or more processors, devices, and/or circuitry to cause the cores to individually throttle based on measurements from the corresponding analog current comparators. In some embodiments, a memory device of the multicore processor may store instructions executable to operate a plurality power management agents to determine whether to send throttle requests based on a plurality of histories of the current measurements of the cores, respectively.