Processor Thermal Management via Domain Frequency Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As computing systems evolve with increased logic density and power requirements, managing processor temperature effectively to prevent overheating and reduce energy consumption becomes a critical challenge, especially in multi-core processors where heat distribution is complex.
Innovation Solution
A balancing policy is implemented to adjust the clock frequencies of multiple processing domains within a processor, taking into account the execution characteristics of each domain to reduce heat generation while minimizing detrimental throughput effects, by throttling more than one processing entity and setting interconnect frequencies relative to core frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If clock frequencies of processing domains are reduced to lower processor temperature, then temperature is reduced, but throughput performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is divided into multiple independent processing domains, each with its own temperature sensor and frequency control. This allows selective frequency reduction in specific hot domains rather than globally throttling the entire processor, thus maintaining throughput in cold domains while cooling hot spots.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature and frequency control are applied locally to each processing domain based on its specific thermal conditions. Each domain can operate at different frequencies independent of others, enabling precise thermal management that preserves overall performance by only throttling where necessary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If clock frequencies are reduced to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock frequencies based on real-time temperature readings from each domain's sensor. Frequencies are modified only when thermal thresholds are exceeded, allowing the processor to operate at full performance when cool and reduce consumption only when necessary, optimizing the energy-performance tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters (clock frequencies) of processing domains based on their thermal state. By monitoring temperature and adjusting frequencies accordingly, the system achieves energy reduction through parameter modification rather than permanent capability reduction.
3Temperature
If frequency throttling is applied to hotspots, then local temperature is reduced, but overall system performance deteriorates due to interconnect bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect system is segmented into domain-specific interconnects that can operate at different frequencies. When a domain is throttled for thermal reasons, its interconnect frequency is adjusted proportionally to maintain balance, preventing interconnect bottlenecks from degrading overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing domains can have asymmetric frequency configurations based on their thermal and performance requirements. Hot domains may be throttled while cold domains maintain full frequency, creating an asymmetric operating state that optimizes both thermal management and system throughput.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores and a plurality of temperature sensors, where each core is proximate to at least one temperature sensor. The processor also includes a power control unit (PCU) including temperature logic to receive temperature data that includes a corresponding temperature value from each of the temperature sensors. Responsive to an indication that a highest temperature value of the temperature data exceeds a threshold, the temperature logic is to adjust a plurality of domain frequencies according to a determined policy that is based on instruction execution characteristics of at least two of the plurality of cores. Each domain frequency is associated with a corresponding domain that includes at least one of the plurality of cores and each domain frequency is independently adjustable. Other embodiments are described and claimed.