Processor Telemetry Staggering via Shared Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power requirements and energy consumption of multicore processors pose a significant challenge for energy efficiency, particularly in computing systems, where existing technologies fail to effectively manage power consumption across multiple cores and domains, leading to inefficiencies and increased electricity usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power management system that coordinates and staggers telemetry data communication between cores using a common counter, such as a timestamp counter, to avoid data collisions and minimize bandwidth traffic, while also employing techniques like dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, and independent voltage regulators to control power consumption at each core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cores communicate telemetry data simultaneously using individual counters, then each core can operate independently, but data collisions occur and bandwidth traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual per-core counters into a single shared counter that all cores use for telemetry data communication. This consolidation coordinates data transmission timing across cores, preventing collisions and reducing redundant bandwidth traffic while maintaining independent core operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cores operate at fixed voltage and frequency, then power management is simple, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) that allows cores to operate at variable voltage and frequency points based on workload demands. Independent voltage regulators enable each core to be dynamically adjusted, reducing energy consumption during low-utilization periods while maintaining performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (voltage and frequency) of each core based on telemetry data and workload conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes energy efficiency across different operating scenarios without requiring complete system-wide voltage changes.
3Measurement precision
If telemetry data is communicated frequently to monitor power consumption, then power management accuracy improves, but bandwidth traffic and energy overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic telemetry data communication triggered by counter events rather than continuous monitoring. Cores communicate telemetry data at scheduled intervals when the shared counter reaches specific thresholds, maintaining accurate power consumption monitoring while minimizing bandwidth traffic and energy overhead compared to continuous communication.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes cores to execute instructions. At least some of the cores include a telemetry data control logic to send a first telemetry data packet to a power controller according to a stagger schedule to prevent data collisions, and a global alignment counter to count a stagger alignment period. Other embodiments are described and claimed.