Processing Unit Hint-Based Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer processors consume excessive power due to unnecessary operations, as they are not adapted to utilize higher-level information about the types of instructions being executed, leading to frequent resets and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit is provided with hints about the likelihood of subsequent operations, allowing it to prepare and optimize for expected instructions, such as powering down unnecessary sections when certain operations are unlikely, thereby reducing power consumption and improving execution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processing unit is reset after each instruction to be prepared for any operation, then the processor can execute any type of operation, but the processor consumes excessive power due to unnecessary operations and frequent resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the processing unit pre-configure itself based on hints about upcoming operations. Before an operation is actually executed, the unit prepares in advance by configuring its internal state and activating only the necessary operational modes, avoiding the need for full resets while maintaining readiness for the specific operation that will occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the processing unit's configuration adaptive and changeable based on incoming hints. The unit dynamically adjusts its operational state between instructions, transitioning between different configurations (e.g., floating-point mode, integer mode, vector mode) rather than maintaining a fixed ready state, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving versatility.
2Reliability
If the processing unit is configured to be prepared for any operation, then it can handle subsequent instructions of any type, but it executes unnecessary operations and consumes substantial power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting and activating only the specific operational components needed for the upcoming instruction based on hints, rather than keeping the entire processing unit in a fully prepared state. This selective activation removes unnecessary operational readiness from the system, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability for the actual operation to be performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different operational configurations to different parts of the processing unit based on the specific operation anticipated. Instead of uniformly preparing the entire unit, only the relevant sections are activated and configured appropriately, creating localized operational readiness that reduces overall energy loss while maintaining necessary reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processing unit pre-configures for likely subsequent operations based on hints, then power consumption is reduced, but the hints may be incorrect requiring reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimal necessary pre-configuration based on hints, rather than fully preparing for all possible operations. When hints are correct, this partial preparation saves power. When hints are incorrect, the partial configuration can be quickly adjusted without requiring a complete reconfiguration, thereby minimizing time loss while still achieving power reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for providing hints to a processing unit that subsequent operations are likely. Responsively, the processing unit takes steps to prepare for the likely subsequent operations. Where the hints are more likely than not to be correct, the processing unit operates more efficiently. For example, in an embodiment, the processing unit consumes less power. In another embodiment, subsequent operations are performed more quickly because the processing unit is prepared to efficiently handle the subsequent operations.