Multimedia Processor Power Domain Suspension for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multimedia processors consume excessive power due to computationally intensive image and video processing, making them unsuitable for mobile applications, where there is a need for power-efficient, high-performance processors that can handle multiple operations including audio processing, image sensor processing, video recording, and graphics.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for suspending power domains in multimedia processors, where data is transferred between integrated power domains, allowing one portion to be powered down while state information is stored, and then powered up when needed, using a core processor and SDRAM for efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the multimedia processor operates at full capacity to handle computationally intensive image and video processing, then the processing performance is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The multimedia processor is divided into multiple independent power domains (first power domain and second power domain), each capable of being powered on or off independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high processing performance when needed while reducing power consumption by powering down unused domains, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power domains are dynamically controlled based on processing requirements. The system can switch between different power states (powered on/powered down) of the power domains according to the computational tasks being performed, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to match its productivity needs in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the processor suspends power domains to reduce power consumption, then the power efficiency is improved, but the data transfer time and system response time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Data is transferred to the active power domain before the inactive power domain is completely powered down. This preliminary action ensures that critical data is ready and can be immediately processed when the suspended domain is activated, minimizing the time loss associated with power domain suspension and reducing the impact on system response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A memory interface acts as an intermediary between the powered-down power domain and the powered-on power domain. This intermediary facilitates efficient data transfer and state restoration, reducing the time penalty of power domain suspension by enabling fast data exchange and minimal disruption to processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9317103B2Method and system for selective power control for a multi-media processor

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A method and system for controlling power is provided. The system is configured to selectively control a plurality of power control domains. The system may be configured to process audio data in at least one of the domains. The system may be configured to output audio data, while one or more of the power control domains is suspended.