Processor Core Frequency Ramp Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer processors lack the ability to dynamically control core frequency ramp rates based on system modes or application needs, leading to inefficient power consumption and thermal management, particularly in heterogeneous processor architectures where different cores have varying power and performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A hardware-guided scheduling interface is implemented to dynamically manage power and thermal consumption by providing feedback on processor performance and energy efficiency capabilities to the operating system, allowing for closed-loop control of resource allocation and optimal operating point selection based on current hardware and workload demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If core frequency is ramped to highest frequency from minimum frequency in one transition, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ramp rate control that adjusts the frequency transition speed based on system conditions. The ramp rate is not fixed but varies dynamically according to power mode, thermal state, and application requirements, resolving the contradiction between fast responsiveness and low power consumption by making the transition speed adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the ramp rate parameter based on different operating conditions. By modifying the frequency transition parameter dynamically according to power mode and thermal state, the system achieves both fast responsiveness when needed and energy efficiency when power conservation is prioritized
2Speed
If core frequency is ramped to highest frequency from minimum frequency in one transition, then responsiveness is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic ramp rate control adjusts frequency transition speed based on system conditions including power mode and application requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making energy efficiency and responsiveness both achievable through adaptive transition speeds rather than fixed aggressive ramps
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from power mode indicators and thermal sensors to adjust ramp rates. This closed-loop control ensures that frequency transitions optimize energy efficiency while maintaining necessary responsiveness, preventing energy waste from unnecessarily aggressive frequency changes
3Use of energy by moving object
If ramp rate is limited to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic ramp rate adjustment that can increase transition speed when responsiveness is needed while maintaining power efficiency during normal operation. The ramp rate parameter changes dynamically based on power mode and application requirements, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and responsiveness
4Use of energy by moving object
If system operates in reduced power mode with lower power floor, then battery usage is prolonged, but responsiveness to application starts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ramp rates based on power mode indicators. When an application start is detected, the ramp rate can be increased to maintain responsiveness even in reduced power mode, while maintaining lower power floor during idle periods. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to different operational states
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to control temperature ramp rates including temperature spike detection and control. For example, one embodiment of a processor comprises: a plurality of cores to execute instructions; a power management unit to control power consumption of each core of the plurality of cores, the power management unit comprising: a frequency ramp governor or power step governor to determine a frequency ramp rate limit or power step limit for a core of the plurality of cores based, at least in part, on a present frequency or present power metrics of the core; a frequency limiter or voltage limiter to determine a maximum frequency or maximum voltage of the core based, at least in part, on a measured temperature; and limit resolution circuitry to determine a first frequency or a first power level of the core in accordance with the frequency ramp rate limit or the power step limit and the maximum frequency or maximum voltage.