Dynamic Processor Allocation via Thermal Control Circuit Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-demand server systems lack real-time processor cycle allocation and deallocation capabilities, leading to server downtime and inflexible billing models that result in unnecessary costs due to the need for rebooting servers to activate additional processors and the obligation to pay for unused processing resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing thermal control circuit (TCC) logic on processors to dynamically control processing capability by selectively enabling or disabling TCC logic, allowing real-time allocation and deallocation of processing resources without server reboot, and using a Server Management Processor (SMP) to manage and bill based on actual usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional processors are activated to meet increased demand, then processing capability is improved, but server downtime occurs due to reboot requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring additional processors in a disabled state within the BIOS, allowing them to be rapidly activated without rebooting the server. The processors are physically present and electrically connected but kept inactive until needed, eliminating the time loss associated with booting the operating system and initializing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time switching between different processor configurations through BIOS-level control. The system can dynamically add or remove processors from the active pool in response to changing workload demands, transitioning from a static to a flexible processing architecture that adapts without service interruption.
2Productivity
If customers purchase additional processing resources to handle peak demand, then processing capability is improved, but cost increases due to paying for unused resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling on-demand activation and deactivation of processors based on real-time workload monitoring. Customers can activate additional processors only when needed and deactivate them when demand decreases, transforming from a static resource allocation model to a dynamic one that matches supply with actual demand, thereby eliminating waste of payment for unused capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of processors from permanently enabled to conditionally enabled based on workload thresholds. By monitoring system performance metrics and automatically adjusting the number of active processors, the system optimizes the balance between processing capability and resource cost, ensuring customers pay only for what they actually use.
3Productivity
If TCC logic is disabled to maximize processing capability, then productivity is improved, but thermal control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring thermal control logic within the processor's TCC module during manufacturing. This embedded logic is ready to activate automatically when thermal thresholds are exceeded, providing immediate thermal management response without requiring software intervention or sacrificing processing capability, thus resolving the contradiction between maximum performance and thermal safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for correlating processor usage to customer billing in an on-demand server with real-time allocation/deallocation of processing resources. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing a plurality of processors, each processor having thermal control circuit (TCC) logic; determining a processing requirement for the plurality of processors; and dynamically controlling a processing capability of the plurality of processors to provide the determined processing requirement by selectively enabling or disabling the TCC logic of each processor.