Non-Core Domain Frequency Control for Multi-Domain Processor Power Budget
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicore processors face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution among various functional units, as higher core frequencies consume more power, leaving limited resources for other processor components, and existing mechanisms fail to ensure sufficient power allocation to non-core domains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic frequency range control, where a non-core domain can override the operating frequency of a core domain, allowing for reduced frequencies and reallocating the power budget to non-core domains, such as a graphics engine, through mechanisms like the Advanced Configuration and Platform Interface (ACPI) standards and configuration registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the core domain operates at higher frequency, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases and leaves insufficient power for non-core domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment of the core domain based on real-time power availability and workload requirements. The system transitions from static frequency operation to dynamic frequency scaling, allowing the core domain frequency to be adjusted upward when power is available and downward when non-core domains require power, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high processing performance and managing power consumption effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating frequency parameter of the core domain dynamically based on power budget conditions. By modifying this key parameter in response to power availability and non-core domain requirements, the system can shift between performance-oriented and power-saving states, effectively balancing processing performance against power consumption for the core domain
2Productivity
If power is allocated to core domain, then core processing performance is improved, but non-core domains receive insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors power consumption, workload requirements, and performance needs of both core and non-core domains. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts core domain frequency to ensure that non-core domains receive adequate power while maintaining acceptable core performance, thereby resolving the power allocation contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reallocates power between core and non-core domains by adjusting core frequency in real-time. This dynamic power management allows the system to shift power resources from the core domain to non-core domains when needed, ensuring that graphics and other non-core functions receive sufficient power while maintaining overall system effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining that a non-core domain of a multi-domain processor is not operating at a frequency requested by the non-core domain, sending a request from the non-core domain to a power controller to reduce a frequency of a core domain of the multi-domain processor, and responsive to the request, reducing the core domain frequency. Other embodiments are described and claimed.