Processor Core Voltage Tuning for Lockstep Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fault-tolerant computing systems experience failures and shutdowns due to nondeterministic behavior in processors operating at manufacturer-specified core voltages, leading to system failures and anomalies, even when designed with redundant circuit paths and self-checking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically tunes the core voltages of plural microprocessors operating in lock-step by sweeping through voltage settings under heavy system load to determine a working range where processors operate deterministically, reducing failures and anomalies by adjusting core voltages to optimal operating points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processors operate at manufacturer-specified core voltages, then normal processor operations are maintained, but nondeterministic behavior occurs causing system failures in lockstep operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the core voltage of processors from manufacturer-specified values to tuned values. The system sweeps through a range of voltage settings to identify optimal operating points that eliminate nondeterministic behavior in lockstep processors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing voltage tuning during system initialization or setup phase. The system pre-determines optimal voltage settings for each processor before actual lockstep operation begins, storing these calibrated values for subsequent use to prevent failures during critical operations
2Reliability
If core voltages are adjusted to optimal operating points, then deterministic operation is achieved reducing failures, but additional tuning operations and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage tuning process is performed in advance during system initialization or manufacturing calibration, so that when the system enters production lockstep mode, the processors are already operating at their optimal deterministic voltage settings. This eliminates the need for real-time tuning during critical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically sweeping through voltage ranges and identifying optimal operating points without requiring external intervention. Once tuned, the system maintains these settings autonomously, reducing the need for repeated manual adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for tuning core voltages of processors. One embodiment is a method for software execution. The method includes varying core voltages of plural processors operating in lockstep to determine an operating range for each of the plural processors, and adjusting the core voltages of the plural processors within the operating range to tune the plural processors.