Processor Reactive Power Control for Peak Power Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems face limitations in peak power delivery, leading to potential system failures due to exceeding the power output capability of the primary power source, which is managed proactively by limiting maximum frequencies of high power-consuming circuitry within a processor.
Innovation Solution
A processor is configured to manage peak power delivery reactively by allowing high power-consuming circuitry to operate at higher power consumption levels through a programmable boost increase, ensuring that power consumption drops below a legacy level nearly instantaneously in response to a power threshold detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maximum frequencies of high power-consuming circuitry are limited to guarantee peak power consumption stays below platform peak power delivery capability, then system reliability is improved, but performance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning from static frequency limits to reactive power control. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of high power-consuming circuitry based on real-time power delivery conditions, allowing frequencies to be increased when power is available and reduced when power delivery is constrained, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and achieving high performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring power consumption and power delivery capability in real-time. When power consumption approaches the peak power delivery capability, the system triggers reactive measures to reduce power consumption back below the threshold. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain reliability while maximizing performance by allowing higher frequencies when power conditions permit
2Productivity
If a programmable boost increase is applied to allow operation above legacy maximum power level, then performance capability is improved, but power delivery constraint violation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential power delivery violations by implementing preliminary reactive control mechanisms. Before power consumption can exceed safe limits and cause system failure, the system detects approaching thresholds and proactively reduces power consumption through frequency scaling or circuit throttling, thus allowing boost operation while preventing reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of high power-consuming circuitry dynamically. By adjusting frequency and power consumption levels based on real-time conditions, the system allows temporary operation above legacy maximum power levels to achieve performance boosts while maintaining compliance with power delivery constraints through parameter adjustment when thresholds are approached
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an apparatus comprises a first intellectual property (IP) circuit to execute operations on data and a power controller. The power controller is to: receive a boost value that is based at least in part on one or more characteristics of a power supply; determine a boosted maximum power level based at least in part on the boost value and a legacy maximum power level; and provide a boosted maximum power budget for the first IP circuit based at least in part on the boosted maximum power level. The first IP circuit, in response to an input voltage violation signal, is to reactively reduce power consumption equal to or below a legacy maximum power budget for the first IP circuit lower than the boosted maximum power budget. Other embodiments are described and claimed.