Predictive On-Chip Voltage Simulation for Undervoltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor circuit technologies are unable to predict undervoltage conditions in advance, relying on 'after the fact' measurement methods that do not allow for preemptive action, which is crucial due to rapidly varying voltages and tight voltage margins in processor designs.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor circuit with power management circuitry that estimates the momentary supply voltage by analyzing power supply current and cross current over previous clock cycles, enabling the prediction of undervoltage conditions and allowing for proactive throttling to prevent voltage droops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If after-the-fact measurement methods (CPM or dIPC) are used to detect undervoltage conditions, then measurement precision is achieved, but the detection occurs too late to allow preemptive action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using prediction engines that analyze historical power supply current and cross current data to forecast future undervoltage conditions before they occur. This allows the system to take preemptive measures (such as throttling) in advance, rather than reacting after the voltage droop has already happened. The prediction mechanism calculates estimated momentary supply voltage based on previous clock cycle data, enabling early warning and preventive action.
2Productivity
If voltage margins are tightened to improve processor performance, then productivity increases, but the circuit becomes more sensitive to power grid noise and voltage droops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring power supply current and cross current, using this data to predict future voltage conditions, and then applying corrective actions (throttling) based on the predictions. This closed-loop feedback system allows the processor to maintain tight voltage margins for high performance while compensating for voltage droops in real-time, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If preemptive throttling is implemented based on predicted undervoltage conditions, then reliability is improved by preventing voltage droops, but productivity may be reduced due to conservative operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective throttling only in the specific subcircuits that are predicted to experience undervoltage conditions, rather than throttling the entire processor. This allows the system to maintain high productivity in unaffected areas while ensuring reliability in the affected subcircuits, thus minimizing the overall impact on processor throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to detecting undervoltage conditions at a subcircuit. A power supply current of a first subcircuit is determined over a first number of previous clock cycles. A cross current flowing between the first subcircuit and a second subcircuit is determined over the first number of previous clock cycles. An estimated momentary supply voltage present at the first subcircuit is then determined based on the power supply current of the first subcircuit over the first number of previous clock cycles and the cross current flowing between the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit over the first number of previous clock cycles.