Processor Frequency-Voltage Step Control for Stable Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices, particularly processors, there is a challenge in efficiently controlling frequency and voltage to reduce power consumption due to individual differences in processor types and manufacturing processes, leading to varying suitable parameters and requiring complex software controls. Additionally, rapid changes in frequency and voltage can cause power noise and instability.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes an oscillation unit, frequency and voltage setting information storage units, and a control unit that incrementally adjusts frequency and voltage parameters based on stored tables and identification information to achieve target settings, allowing for stepwise changes and minimizing program overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex software control is used to adjust frequency and voltage parameters for different processor types and manufacturing processes, then adaptability to individual differences is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically identifies its own type and manufacturing process characteristics, then self-adjusts frequency and voltage parameters using stored calibration data without requiring complex external software control. The identification information storage unit contains pre-stored optimal parameters that the processor selects based on its own identification, eliminating the need for sophisticated control algorithms.
2Use of energy by moving object
If frequency and voltage parameters are changed rapidly to reduce power consumption, then power saving efficiency is improved, but power noise and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency and voltage parameter adjustments are segmented into discrete, pre-determined steps rather than continuous changes. The identification information storage unit contains specific frequency and voltage parameter sets corresponding to different operational states, allowing the processor to transition between defined power consumption levels without causing instability from arbitrary intermediate values.
3Reliability
If stepwise control of frequency and voltage is implemented to prevent power noise, then operational stability is improved, but power saving efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal frequency and voltage parameter combinations for different power states are pre-calculated and stored in the identification information storage unit during manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary preparation allows the processor to quickly switch between power-efficient states using pre-validated parameter sets, achieving both power saving efficiency and operational stability without requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a frequency setting information storage unit that stores sets of frequency information indicating setting of a frequency supplied by an oscillation unit and frequency identification information identifying the frequency information and outputs one of a plurality of pieces of the frequency information to the oscillation unit based on frequency identification information inputted thereinto; a speed setting information storage unit that stores speed identification information indicating a speed of the semiconductor device and frequency identification information corresponding to the speed identification information; a frequency identification information count unit that holds a value of the frequency identification information inputted into the frequency setting information storage unit; and a control unit that causes the frequency identification information count unit to increment or decrement the held value of the frequency identification information to approach a value of the frequency identification information stored in the speed setting information storage unit.