Processor Power Management Component Calibrating Voltage Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system-on-chip (SoC) power control systems are inefficient due to slow communication buses and separation of controllers from the hardware, leading to delays in responding to rapidly changing conditions, which can result in heat damage, over voltage, and under power events.
Innovation Solution
A processor power management component that receives power information from digital power meters and voltage regulators, generates power estimate values, and controls power based on comparison information, allowing for quick and accurate power management within the SoC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional communication buses are used for sensor signals, then device complexity is reduced, but response speed deteriorates due to delays in the millisecond range while conditions change in hundreds of microseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor signal processing and power control functions directly into the processor core, eliminating separate communication buses and controllers. Sensors, flags, and power control logic are integrated within the processor, allowing conditions to be detected and responded to within the same clock cycle, thus achieving microsecond or nanosecond response times without adding external communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the processor directly monitors sensor signals and power control flags through internal registers and logic circuits, rather than using external communication buses. This intermediary internal signaling path enables fast response by keeping all control elements within the processor boundary, avoiding external bus delays.
2Reliability
If sensors are separated from the processor, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to delays in detecting and responding to power events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor signal reception, power event detection, and power control functions within the same processor unit. The processor directly accesses sensor data through internal registers and can immediately respond to power events without external communication delays, significantly improving reliability for time-critical power management while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power control functionality into distinct processor modules or units that can independently monitor specific sensor signals and execute power control actions. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while remaining integrated within the processor, improving both reliability through dedicated monitoring and ease of manufacture through modular design.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fast response to power events is achieved, then object-generated harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases due to integration of control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power event detection, analysis, and control actions into a single integrated processor unit. By combining these functions that were previously distributed across separate sensors, communication interfaces, and external controllers, the system achieves fast response to prevent heat damage and over voltage events while actually reducing overall device complexity through integration rather than addition of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service power control where the processor autonomously monitors its own power consumption through integrated sensors and automatically executes power control actions based on detected conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power management hardware and complex control systems, reducing device complexity while enabling fast response to prevent harmful power events.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described herein for estimating power usage of various components of a CPU and controlling voltage regulators based on the estimated power usage. The power estimates may be based on digital power meter readings at each component, on voltage information from a voltage regulator, and on other power information. This power information is transmitted over a mesh interconnect disposed throughout the CPU such that power estimation can be accurately calculated and used to control voltage regulators without being limited by external bus speeds. More of the power management processes and components may be disposed on the CPU and connected to the mesh interconnect. These power management processes include various calibrations, adjustments, and limits so as efficiently manage and use the more rapidly processed power estimations.