Power-Aware Dispatcher for Dynamic Processor State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face inefficiencies in managing processor resources to balance performance and power consumption, particularly in idle or low-demand scenarios, where existing operating systems struggle to dynamically adjust resource allocation to minimize energy usage without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A dispatcher system that selects processors based on processing states and a power management policy, utilizing processor information, utilization data, and sensor data to dispatch threads efficiently, allowing for dynamic adjustments in clock speed and power distribution across multiple processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the operating system turns off or lowers the operating frequencies of inactive devices to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but system performance and responsiveness may deteriorate when workloads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor operating states based on real-time workload conditions. The dispatcher monitors system state and transitions processors between idle, sleep, and active states as needed, allowing the system to adapt power consumption levels to actual performance requirements rather than using static power management settings
Solution Approach 2:
The dispatcher implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring workload conditions and system state, then using this information to make informed decisions about thread dispatching and processor state transitions. This closed-loop control ensures that power management actions are based on actual system needs rather than predetermined settings
2Productivity
If multiple processors are kept in active state to maintain performance, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pool of processors into different operational groups based on workload requirements. The dispatcher can activate only the necessary subset of processors for current tasks while keeping others in lower-power states, dividing the processor population into active and inactive segments rather than treating all processors uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The dispatcher changes operational parameters of processors dynamically, adjusting operating frequencies and power states based on real-time workload analysis. This allows the system to optimize the balance between performance and power consumption by modifying processor parameters rather than maintaining fixed operational settings
3Device complexity
If the operating system uses simple idle-state power management, then implementation complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize power consumption under varying workload conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatcher serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages thread scheduling, monitors system state, decides on processor state transitions, and coordinates power management actions. This multi-functional approach consolidates power management capabilities within the existing dispatcher infrastructure rather than requiring separate dedicated power management components
Data Source
AI summary
In general the invention relates to a system. The system includes processors each having a processing state. The system further includes a dispatcher operatively connected to the plurality of processors and configured to: receive a first thread to dispatch, select one of the processors to dispatch the thread to based on the processing state the processors and a power management policy, and dispatch the thread to the selected one of the plurality of processors.