Power Splitter Circuit for Multi-Source SOC Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computer systems with complex system on a chip (SOC) architectures face challenges in reliably and efficiently managing power allocation across multiple independent voltage domains and component circuits, especially with the increasing trend towards multiple dies or chiplets integrated into a single package.
Innovation Solution
A power splitter circuit is used to allocate power to component circuits based on a power budget represented by power credits, which are divided among the circuits according to a power split policy. This system includes programmable registers to store a mapping of power sources to component circuits, allowing for flexible power allocation across different power configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power sources are used to supply power to component circuits, then power delivery capacity and flexibility are improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into multiple independent power sources, each with its own power budget and credits. The power splitter circuit divides power credits from multiple power sources to different component circuits, allowing independent management of each power source while achieving coordinated power delivery. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple power sources without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power splitter circuit acts as an intermediary between multiple power sources and component circuits. It receives power credits from multiple power sources, determines the most limiting power source for each component circuit, and allocates appropriate power credits accordingly. This intermediary mechanism simplifies power management by centralizing the decision-making logic in the power splitter, rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple power sources and components.
2Reliability
If power is allocated based on the most limiting power source, then reliable power delivery is ensured, but power utilization efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power splitter circuit continuously monitors power credits from multiple power sources and uses feedback to determine the most limiting power source for each component circuit. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts power allocation to ensure reliable delivery while minimizing waste. The system feeds back information about power availability and usage to optimize allocation decisions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of power credit allocation based on the identified most limiting power source. By dynamically adjusting the number of power credits allocated to each component circuit according to the constraints of the limiting power source, the system ensures reliable power delivery while optimizing utilization of available power from non-limiting sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable registers are used to store power source mapping, then adaptability to different power configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable registers in the power splitter circuit serve multiple functions: storing power source mapping, identifying the most limiting power source, and configuring power allocation policies. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to adapt to different power configurations without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to managing power allocation for component circuits coupled to one or more power sources. A system can include a plurality of component circuits, a plurality of power sources, and a power splitter circuit. The power splitter circuit may access, from programmable registers, a mapping between ones of the plurality of component circuits and ones of the plurality of power sources. The power splitter circuit may then allocate power to a given one of the plurality of component circuits based on one or more power budgets of one or more power sources that are mapped to the given component circuit as indicated by the mapping. In various cases, the power splitter circuit may determine that multiple power sources supply power to a particular component circuit and allocate power to the particular component circuit based on respective power budgets of the multiple power sources.