On-Die Voltage Regulators for Many-Core Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many-core processors face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption due to the need for variable core-level voltage supplies, as existing motherboard-based power delivery systems are unable to provide multiple voltages quickly and efficiently, leading to increased power consumption and heat resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management system with multiple voltage regulators (VRs) integrated on the same die or on a separate die, allowing each core to have its own voltage regulator for dynamic voltage supply modulation and quick activation/shut-off, thereby enabling efficient power delivery and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single voltage regulator on the motherboard supplies voltage to all cores, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability of voltage supply to different core needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power delivery system into multiple independent voltage regulators, each serving specific cores or core groups. This segmentation allows each regulator to independently control voltage to its assigned cores, enabling adaptability to different voltage needs while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local voltage control by assigning specific voltage regulators to specific cores or core groups, allowing each core to receive customized voltage levels according to its operational requirements. This local quality approach enables non-uniform voltage distribution across the processor, optimizing power efficiency for each core's workload.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulators with separate inductors are implemented on the motherboard, then the adaptability of voltage supply improves, but the device complexity and area requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulators and their associated inductors onto a single integrated circuit die, consolidating what would otherwise be separate discrete components on the motherboard. This integration reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates the need for multiple separate inductors while maintaining the adaptability benefits of multiple voltage regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional motherboard layout with distributed voltage regulators to a three-dimensional integrated structure where regulators are stacked or arranged in layers on the processor die. This dimensional change allows multiple regulators to coexist in a compact footprint, reducing area requirements while preserving voltage supply adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If voltage regulation is handled by the motherboard VR, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the speed of voltage response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage regulation function from the motherboard VR and relocates it directly to the processor die. This extraction eliminates the long signal paths and parasitic inductances between the motherboard and processor, enabling nanosecond-scale voltage response times that match the dynamic voltage needs of modern multi-core processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an on-die voltage regulation intermediary layer between the power delivery network and the cores. This intermediary consists of integrated voltage regulators that can rapidly adjust voltage levels in response to core workload changes, acting as a buffer between the slower motherboard power supply and the fast-response requirements of the processor cores.
4Ease of operation
If all cores receive the same voltage supply, then the ease of operation is improved, but the power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling by allowing each voltage regulator to adjust its output voltage in real-time based on the operational state of its assigned cores. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize power consumption by lowering voltage for inactive or low-performance cores while maintaining higher voltage for active, performance-critical cores, significantly improving overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter individually for different cores or core groups based on their operational requirements. By allowing voltage to vary across different spatial locations and time, the system achieves fine-grained power management, reducing total power consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated voltage adjustment policies.
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in this application, a power management system with multiple voltage regulator (“VRs”) may be used to supply power to cores in a many-core processor. Each VR may supply power to a core or a part of a core. Different VRs may provide multiple voltages to a core/part in the many-core processor. The value of the output voltage of a VR may be modulated under the direction of the core/part to which the voltage regulator supplies power. In one embodiment, the multiple VRs may be integrated with cores in a single die. In another embodiment, the power management system with multiple VRs may be on a die (“the VR die”) separate from the die of the many-core processor. The VR die may be included in the same package as the many-core processor die.