Processor Thermal Throttling via Zero Voltage Deep Power Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in energy efficiency and thermal management due to increasing power and thermal consumption, leading to overheating issues that can affect performance, damage components, and reduce battery life, necessitating effective thermal throttling solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a deep power down mode in processors using thermal sensors and power control units to dynamically adjust processor power states, such as transitioning to a zero voltage state (C6) when temperatures exceed a threshold, and reverting to active states when temperatures drop below a second threshold, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If processor power consumption is increased to improve performance, then processing speed and capability are improved, but thermal consumption increases leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal throttling that adjusts processor power states in real-time based on temperature conditions. The system transitions between different power states (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6) dynamically, allowing the processor to operate at high performance when cool and reduce power consumption when temperature thresholds are exceeded, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and temperature.
2Productivity
If processor power consumption is increased to improve performance, then computing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on thermal conditions and performance requirements. By implementing state transitions between C0 (active) and C6 (deep sleep) power states, the processor optimizes energy usage by operating at full capability only when necessary and consuming minimal power during thermal throttling periods, thus resolving the contradiction between computing capability and energy consumption.
3Temperature
If thermal throttling is implemented to reduce temperature, then overheating is prevented, but processing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preventive thermal management by monitoring temperature proactively and transitioning to lower power states before critical overheating occurs. The system uses temperature thresholds to trigger preemptive power state changes, preventing thermal damage while minimizing performance impact by maintaining higher power states whenever thermally safe to do so.
4Use of energy by moving object
If deep power down mode is used to reduce energy consumption, then battery life is extended, but processor responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects appropriate power states based on thermal conditions and performance requirements rather than permanently residing in deep power down mode. The C6 state is used selectively during thermal throttling events, while the system can quickly transition back to C0 or intermediate states when cooling is needed or performance is required, thus balancing energy consumption with responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to energy efficient and conserving thermal throttling of electronic device processors using a zero voltage processor state. For example, a processor die may include a power control unit (PCU), and an execution unit having power gates and a thermal sensor. The PCU is attached to the thermal sensor to determine if a temperature of the execution unit has increased to greater than an upper threshold, such as while the execution unit is processing data in an active processor power state. The PCU is also attached to the power gates so that upon such detection, it can change the active processor power state to a zero processor power state to reduce the temperature of the execution unit. When the sensor detects that the temperature has decreased to less than a lower threshold, the PCU can change the processor power state back to the active state.