Processor Performance State Control via External Management Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional performance state control for processors, performed by operating system, application, or BIOS code, increases processing overhead and consumes execution cycles, leading to reduced performance in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a performance state control module in a management controller independent of the processor, which controls transitions between performance states by adjusting power supply voltage and clock signal frequency without consuming processor execution cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If performance state control is performed by operating system, application, or BIOS code running on the processor, then the processor can be transitioned between performance states, but processing overhead increases and execution cycles are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external controller as an intermediary device that manages performance state transitions independently of the processor. The controller receives workload information from the processor and autonomously determines performance state transitions, eliminating the need for OS, application, or BIOS code to execute on the processor for this function. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by separating the control function from the processor execution pipeline.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the processor is transitioned to a lower performance state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but performance may be insufficient for high workload demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the external controller continuously monitors workload information from the processor and dynamically adjusts performance states accordingly. When workload is low, the controller transitions the processor to lower performance states to reduce power consumption; when workload increases, the controller transitions to higher performance states to meet demand. This closed-loop feedback resolves the contradiction by making performance state selection adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the processor performance state dynamic rather than fixed, allowing real-time transitions between multiple performance states based on actual workload conditions. The external controller enables the processor to adapt its performance characteristics dynamically, switching between low-power and high-performance modes as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption and performance availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If performance state control code runs on the processor, then performance state transitions can be managed, but overall device performance is reduced due to consumed processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the performance state control function from the processor and relocates it to an external controller. By taking out this non-critical but resource-consuming function from the processor's execution pipeline, the system eliminates the overhead and processing resource consumption associated with OS, application, or BIOS code executing on the processor. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining performance state management capability while removing the performance penalty.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances overall processor performance by reducing processing overhead and enabling faster and more efficient transitions between performance states, improving application workload execution without interrupting the processor pipeline.
Implementation Method 1
A performance state of a processor is determined by at least one input parameter that affects an execution speed of the processor. Examples of such parameter can include any one or a combination of the following: a power supply voltage to the processor, and a frequency of a clock signal to the processor.
Implementation Method 2
A performance state of a processor is determined by at least one input parameter that affects an execution speed of the processor. Examples of such parameter can include any one or a combination of the following: a power supply voltage to the processor, and a frequency of a clock signal to the processor.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing circuit independent of a processor determines a current utilization of the processor, based on events of an execution pipeline of the processor. According to the determined utilization, the processing circuit causes the processor to transition from a first of the plurality of performance states to a second of the plurality of performance states.