Multimedia Processor Power Domain Segmentation for Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern low-power system designs face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly due to increasing leakage power in multimedia processing systems, which is exacerbated by the integration of advanced technologies in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for power management in multimedia processing that involves detecting system information to identify the required processing capacity and independently controlling power domains within a multimedia processor system, activating only the necessary power domains to match the processing requirements, and deactivating others to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cores are integrated to perform multimedia processes, then processing capacity is improved, but leakage power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is divided into multiple independently controllable power domains, each containing one or more cores. This segmentation allows selective activation of only those power domains needed for current multimedia tasks, reducing leakage power from inactive domains while maintaining the processing capacity of the entire system when required.
2Productivity
If all power domains are activated to ensure sufficient processing capacity, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts which power domains are active based on real-time detection of multimedia process requirements. The system transitions from a static all-on or all-off state to a dynamic configuration where only necessary power domains are activated, optimizing the balance between processing capacity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multimedia process characteristics and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate power domain configuration. Based on the detected requirements, the system adjusts power domain activation to match actual processing needs, preventing both under-provisioning and excessive power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management method is provided to detect system information for a multimedia process, which is to be executed in a multimedia processor system that includes a plurality of cores belonging to a plurality of power domains. The power domains are controlled independently of one another. The method further identifies a set of power domains that provides a processing capacity matching a requirement of the multimedia process indicated in the system information, and supplies power to one or more of the power domains according to the identified set of power domains.