Power Control Logic for Slave Devices in Multi-Domain Processors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management techniques in data processing apparatuses with multiple domains are inefficient and costly, particularly in fully virtualized memory systems, as they require complex software and reverse mapping techniques that do not effectively reduce power consumption when certain hardware resources are not used.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with power control logic that issues domain ID signals to determine which slave devices are not in use, triggering them to enter a power saving state, thereby reducing power consumption without the need for complex software or reverse mapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If complex software and reverse mapping techniques are used for power management in fully virtualized memory systems, then power management capability is provided, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex software-based power management with a hardware-based solution. The power management function is implemented in hardware logic that automatically monitors domain ID signals and controls slave device power states, eliminating the need for complex software reverse mapping techniques while achieving the same power management objective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hardware power management system operates autonomously by continuously monitoring domain ID signals from master devices and automatically transitioning slave devices between active and power-saving states based on actual usage. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external software intervention and complex management protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If hardware resources remain powered on to ensure immediate availability, then system responsiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management where slave devices transition between active and power-saving states based on real-time domain usage. The hardware power management logic continuously monitors domain ID signals and adjusts power states dynamically, ensuring devices are powered on only when needed while maintaining system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power management system periodically monitors domain ID signals and transitions slave devices between power states based on detected usage patterns. This periodic monitoring and state transition mechanism ensures devices remain responsive when needed while conserving power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If slave devices are powered down to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to state management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power management functionality with the existing domain ID signal generation and slave device control logic. The power management hardware is integrated into the existing system architecture, merging multiple functions into unified control blocks and reducing overall system complexity despite adding power-saving capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hardware power management logic serves multiple slave devices simultaneously and handles multiple domains, providing universal power management functionality. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate power management circuits for each device, thereby reducing overall complexity while enabling comprehensive power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7836320B2Power management in a data processing apparatus having a plurality of domains in which devices of the data processing apparatus can operate

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 ARM LTD

AI summary

A data processing apparatus and method are provided for performing power management. The data processing apparatus has a plurality of domains in which devices of the data processing apparatus can operate, and comprises at least one master device for performing operations and at least one slave device for use by such master devices when performing those operations. Each master device is arranged to issue a domain ID signal identifying the domain in which that master device is currently operating. Further, power control logic is provided for determining, based on the domain ID signal issued by the various master devices, whether any portion of a slave device is not currently useable, and if so to cause any such portion to enter a power saving state. This provides a particularly efficient technique for power management in such a data processing apparatus.