Power-State Transition Controller Using Minimal Instruction Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor power management systems face challenges in efficiently facilitating power-state transitions due to high power consumption, complexity, and inflexibility in hardwired circuits, and performance issues in software-based solutions, while programmable logic devices consume excess power and have unused circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A power-state transitioning circuit arrangement using a limited instruction set of less than 17 instructions, including a write, delay, conditional jump, and handshake instruction, stored in a configurable memory, executed by a secondary processor integrated with the main processor to facilitate power-state transitions with reduced power consumption and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardwired circuits are used to facilitate power-state transitions, then the control requirement from the processor is minimal and power consumption is minimized, but the circuits are difficult to modify after creation and must be redesigned when transition protocols change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static hardwired circuits to a dynamic programmable logic device that can be reconfigured. The programmable logic device allows the transition protocol to be modified by loading new instruction sets into memory, enabling adaptability without physical redesign while maintaining the simplicity of hardwired control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of circuit configurability from fixed (hardwired) to variable (programmable). By using a programmable logic device with configurable memory and instruction sets, the system can alter transition protocols through software updates rather than hardware redesign, resolving the contradiction between modifiability and implementation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is used to facilitate power-state transitions, then the processor can handle complex transition protocols, but the processor must devote processing time to transitions causing performance issues and consumes extra power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing functions by separating the power-state transition control from the main processor. A programmable logic device with its own instruction set and memory handles transition protocols independently, allowing the main processor to focus on primary computational tasks while the segmented control unit manages power transitions autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary programmable logic device between the processor and power management functions. This mediator handles the complex transition protocols and coordination, preventing the main processor from being burdened with transition overhead while still enabling flexible protocol implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable logic devices are used to facilitate power-state transitions, then flexibility in functionality is provided, but excess power is consumed due to excess circuitry and unused logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary logic functions required for power-state transitions from a full programmable logic device. By implementing a simplified instruction set with only the essential instructions needed for transition control, the design removes excess circuitry and unused logic, thereby reducing power consumption while retaining the needed flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a minimal sufficient instruction set rather than a complete programmable logic device capability. The control unit includes only the specific instructions required for power-state transitions, avoiding the power consumption associated with unused logic and excess circuitry while maintaining adequate flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Power-state transitioning arrangements are implemented using a variety of methods. Using one such method, a power-state transitioning circuit arrangement is implemented having a processing circuit that does not include an arithmetic logic unit. A power-state transition script including instructions from an instruction set is stored in a memory circuit. The processing circuit implements the power-state transition script to facilitate a change in a power-state of another processor circuit.