Processor Power Control Unit Dynamic Clock Frequency Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processor technologies lack the ability to dynamically adjust clock frequencies based on instruction types, leading to suboptimal performance and increased failure rates due to fixed maximum clock frequencies that do not account for varying failure points of different instruction types.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power control unit within the processor that allows for software-configurable instruction-type dependent maximum clock frequency controls, enabling dynamic adjustment of clock frequencies based on the type of instructions being executed, thereby optimizing performance and reducing failure rates by setting clock frequencies according to the specific requirements of each instruction type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed maximum clock frequency is used for all instruction types, then the processor can maintain simple control logic, but performance is suboptimal and failure rates increase for instructions with lower frequency tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by introducing a power control unit that modifies the maximum clock frequency based on the type of instructions being executed. Different instruction types (e.g., AVX, SSE, scalar) trigger different frequency settings, allowing the processor to optimize performance for each instruction category while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic classification and control logic.
2Speed
If the maximum clock frequency is increased for higher performance, then processing speed improves, but the failure rate increases for instructions with lower frequency tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different clock frequency levels to different instruction types based on their specific requirements. Instructions are categorized into groups (e.g., first type, second type, third type) with progressively higher frequency tolerances, allowing the processor to operate at higher frequencies for robust instructions while maintaining lower frequencies for sensitive instructions, thereby optimizing both speed and reliability locally for each instruction category.
3Loss of energy
If a single maximum clock frequency is used for all instructions, then control is simplified, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary high-frequency operation for instructions that can execute at lower frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the maximum clock frequency parameter based on the detected instruction type. The power control unit monitors which instruction category is being executed and modifies the frequency parameter accordingly, allowing the processor to consume less power when executing instructions that can operate successfully at lower frequencies, while maintaining the ability to increase frequency when performance is critical.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit of an aspect includes a power control unit having an interface to receive an indication that one or more instructions of a first type are to be performed by a core. The power control unit also has logic to control a maximum clock frequency for the core based on the indication that the instructions of the first type are to be performed by the core.