Processor Thermal Management via Task Redistribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controller processor overheating due to overuse or environmental conditions can lead to reduced processor lifetime and unreliable computations, particularly in systems with multiple processors where effective temperature control is lacking.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that identify the thermal impact of software tasks on a processor and selectively distribute these tasks between a main and backup processor to manage temperature, using a temperature control system that includes monitoring, prediction, and control modules to predict temperature changes and adjust cooling and processing accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the processor performs more tasks to increase productivity, then the processor's computational output increases, but the processor temperature increases leading to overheating and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputational outputVSAvoidprocessor reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments tasks into different categories (hot tasks and non-hot tasks) based on their thermal impact, and distributes them to different processors. The task management module identifies hot tasks and redirects them to the backup processor when the main processor is overheating, thereby segmenting the workload to prevent overheating while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the processor by adjusting fan speed based on temperature thresholds and by changing task distribution parameters (redirecting hot tasks to backup processor). This allows the system to maintain high productivity while preventing overheating through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the processor operates continuously to maintain system functionality, then the system remains operational, but the processor temperature increases reducing its lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operational continuityVSAvoidprocessor lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by having a backup processor ready and by proactively identifying hot tasks before they cause overheating. The temperature control module monitors temperature continuously and redirects tasks to the backup processor before the main processor reaches dangerous temperature levels, thus cushioning against thermal damage and extending processor lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a backup processor as a copy of the main processor to handle hot tasks. When the main processor is overheating, the task management module redirects hot tasks to the backup processor, allowing the main processor to cool down while the backup processor handles the computational load, thus extending the main processor's lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the system uses active cooling to reduce processor temperature, then the processor temperature decreases improving reliability, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor reliabilityVSAvoidcooling energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by adjusting fan speed based on temperature thresholds rather than running the fan continuously at high speed. The fan control module increases fan speed only when temperature exceeds certain thresholds and reduces it when temperature is acceptable, thereby maintaining processor reliability while minimizing energy consumption during cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts hot tasks from the main processor and redirects them to the backup processor, removing the thermal load from the main processor. This task extraction approach reduces the need for aggressive active cooling, thereby reducing cooling energy consumption while maintaining processor reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Temperature

If the system redirects hot tasks to the backup processor to control temperature, then the main processor temperature decreases, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor temperatureVSAvoidtask management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by having the task management module automatically identify hot tasks and redirect them to the backup processor based on temperature conditions. The system monitors its own temperature and autonomously makes task distribution decisions without external intervention, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the added task redistribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10386899B2Methods and systems for configurable temperature control of controller processors

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for controlling a temperature of a processor of a controller. In one embodiment, a method includes: identifying a status of at least one task of a plurality of software tasks performed on a first processor to be a hot task based on the software task's contribution to a temperature of the first processor; and selectively controlling the temperature of the first processor based on the identified status.