Multicore Processor Thermal Management via Dynamic Core Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing power consumption and thermal issues in multicore devices, such as throttling processor clock frequency, compromise performance and battery life, as they either sacrifice performance for longevity or vice versa, while failing to optimize power usage and thermal management effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves comparing temperature readings of processor cores to a threshold, calculating power and performance maps based on processor core information and hypothetical cases, and dynamically controlling the activity state of processor cores to optimize power consumption or performance based on workload demands, thereby determining the optimal number and configuration of active cores for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If processor clock frequency is throttled to manage power consumption and thermal issues, then power consumption and temperature are reduced, but processing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processor into multiple independent cores, each capable of independent power management. Instead of throttling all cores uniformly, the system can selectively activate or deactivate individual cores based on workload requirements, allowing some cores to operate at full performance while others remain in low-power states, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption and processing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power state of each processor core is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system can transition cores between active, idle, and deep-sleep states, and dynamically allocate power resources to match workload demands, enabling the system to maintain high performance when needed while consuming minimal power during lighter tasks
2Productivity
If more processor cores are activated to handle greater software processing demands, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the processing system into multiple independent cores with individual power controls, the patent enables selective activation of only the necessary number of cores based on current workload. This segmentation allows the system to activate additional cores for performance when needed, while keeping other cores in low-power states to preserve battery life, thus resolving the contradiction between processing performance and battery duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power state parameters of processor cores dynamically based on workload conditions. By adjusting parameters such as clock frequency, voltage, and activation state of individual cores, the system can optimize the balance between processing performance and power consumption, thereby extending battery life while maintaining adequate performance for the current task
3Speed
If processor clock frequency is increased to maintain performance levels, then processing speed is maintained, but thermal issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workload across multiple cores, allowing the system to distribute high-speed processing tasks across several cores operating at moderate frequencies rather than overloading a single core at maximum frequency. This segmentation reduces the thermal concentration in any single core while maintaining overall processing speed through parallel execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management where the system continuously monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts the operating frequency and activation state of processor cores. When thermal thresholds are approached, the system can dynamically reduce frequency or deactivate cores, maintaining processing speed within safe thermal boundaries by adapting to real-time thermal conditions
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The various aspects provide for a device and methods for intelligent multicore control of a plurality of processor cores of a multicore integrated circuit. The aspects may identify and activate an optimal set of processor cores to achieve the lowest level power consumption for a given workload or the highest performance for a given power budget. The optimal set of processor cores may be the number of active processor cores or a designation of specific active processor cores. When a temperature reading of the processor cores is below a threshold, a set of processor cores may be selected to provide the lowest power consumption for the given workload. When the temperature reading of the processor cores is above the threshold, a set processor cores may be selected to provide the best performance for a given power budget.