Processor Handshaking Mechanism for Stable Standby Wakeup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern processors face unpredictable behavior due to premature awakening during operating condition adjustments, leading to instability and reliability issues, as existing solutions like ad hoc system-level logic circuits are complex and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A handshaking mechanism between the processor and the processor management unit (PMU) is implemented, where the processor sends a notification signal to the PMU upon entering standby mode, and a completion signal is sent back after the operating condition is stabilized, allowing the processor to awaken only when adjustments are complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the processor enters standby mode without a completion signal mechanism, then power consumption is reduced, but premature awakening occurs causing unpredictable behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PMU sends a completion signal to the processor after finishing operating condition adjustment. This feedback loop ensures the processor only wakes up when adjustments are complete, preventing premature awakening while maintaining low power consumption during standby mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion signal acts as an intermediary mechanism between the PMU and the processor. It mediates the communication during the transition period, allowing the processor to remain in low-power standby mode while ensuring it wakes up at the correct moment when operating conditions are stabilized.
2Reliability
If a system level logic circuit is used to block wakeup events, then premature awakening is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the completion signal generation and processing functions into the existing PMU and processor architecture. Instead of adding a separate system-level logic circuit, the completion signal is integrated within the PMU's existing infrastructure and processed by the processor's own control logic, thereby preventing premature awakening without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor uses its own existing control logic and the completion signal mechanism to manage its wake-up behavior. The system leverages the processor's inherent capabilities to detect the completion signal and control its wake-up timing, eliminating the need for external system-level logic circuits.
3Speed
If the processor monitors wakeup events continuously, then responsive wakeup is achieved, but power consumption increases during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of wakeup events during standby mode, where the processor checks for wake-up conditions at specific intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the processor to maintain low power consumption while still being able to respond to wake-up events promptly when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a method for controlling a processor thereof are provided. A processor management unit (PMU) is programmed by the processor itself or by another processor according to a change of the operating condition of the processor. Then, a notification signal is sent to the PMU by the processor when the processor is entering a standby mode. Upon receiving the notification signal, the PMU adjusts the operating condition of the processor according to the change. Finally, a completion signal is sent by the PMU to the processor after the change of the operating condition of the processor is stabilized. Therefore, the unpredictable behavior caused by premature awakening of the processor during the adjustment of the operating condition can be avoided.