Multicore Processor Thermal-Aware Workload Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicore processors operate inefficiently due to fixed processing characteristics set during manufacturing, leading to uneven power consumption and temperature variations among cores, which can degrade performance and cause cores to stop working.
Innovation Solution
Implement thermal sensors embedded within the multicore processor to monitor core temperatures, allowing the operating system to dynamically adjust processing characteristics and workload dispatch based on real-time thermal profiles, optimizing core usage for efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processing characteristics are set during manufacturing, then core functionality is established, but the system cannot adapt to runtime thermal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic workload dispatch that adapts processing characteristics at runtime based on thermal sensor readings. The system transitions from static manufacturing-defined core assignments to dynamic thermal-aware scheduling, allowing cores to be reassigned based on real-time temperature conditions while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates thermal sensors that continuously monitor core temperatures and feed this information back to the workload dispatch mechanism. This feedback loop enables the system to detect thermal conditions and adjust workload assignment accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to runtime thermal variations
2Productivity
If workloads are assigned to specific cores, then processing efficiency is optimized, but thermal hotspots cause performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating each core individually based on its thermal characteristics. Rather than uniform workload distribution, the system assigns workloads to specific cores based on their local thermal states, allowing some cores to handle more load while others are cooled down, optimizing both processing efficiency and thermal management at the core level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of workload assignment from static to dynamic based on thermal conditions. The system monitors temperature parameters and adjusts workload dispatch parameters accordingly, changing which cores receive which workloads based on real-time thermal state to prevent overheating while maintaining processing efficiency
3Reliability
If thermal monitoring is implemented, then runtime thermal management is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the system monitor its own thermal conditions and automatically adjust workload dispatch without external intervention. The thermal sensors and dispatch mechanism work together autonomously to manage thermal conditions, reducing the need for external thermal management infrastructure while improving reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Dynamically adjusting processing characteristics based on thermal data enhances multicore processor performance by optimizing power usage and reducing overheating, leading to improved computational sustainability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receive sensor readings from at least one thermal sensor embedded with a plurality of processing cores
Data Source
AI summary
An example operation may include at least one of receiving thermal measurements from at least one thermal sensor embedded with a plurality of processing cores of a multicore processor while the plurality of processing cores process workloads, modifying operating characteristics of the plurality of processing cores based on the thermal measurements to generate modified operating characteristics, and dispatching a workload to the plurality of processing cores based on the modified operating characteristics.