Processor Voltage Regulator Interface Parameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of multicore processors and the escalating power requirements of computing systems pose a significant challenge for energy efficiency and conservation, as software inefficiencies and hardware demands lead to substantial electricity consumption.
Innovation Solution
A processor is designed to interact with various external voltage regulators, regardless of their characteristics, by using parameter information stored in secure flash memory to modulate communications with the voltage regulator, enabling flexibility in platform design and wider compatibility with different voltage regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor is designed with fixed communication parameters for voltage regulators, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the adaptability to different voltage regulator characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor dynamically adjusts communication parameters based on detected voltage regulator characteristics. During initialization, the processor detects the voltage regulator's response characteristics and modifies communication timing, voltage levels, and protocol parameters accordingly, allowing reliable communication across different regulator types without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The processor changes communication parameters such as clock frequency, voltage levels, and timing sequences based on the detected voltage regulator type. This parameter adaptation enables the same processor design to communicate reliably with multiple voltage regulator characteristics while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Ease of manufacture
If the processor uses a standardized communication interface, then the ease of manufacture and device complexity are reduced, but the adaptability to different voltage regulator characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs self-configuration by automatically detecting voltage regulator characteristics and adjusting communication parameters without external intervention. This self-service capability allows standardized processor manufacturing while achieving adaptability through automated parameter detection and adjustment during system initialization
Solution Approach 2:
The processor performs preliminary detection and parameter adjustment during system boot-up before normal operation begins. This preliminary action establishes the appropriate communication interface characteristics for the specific voltage regulator, enabling standardized manufacturing with post-manufacturing adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processor implements multiple communication protocols for different voltage regulators, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor implements a universal communication interface that can operate with multiple voltage regulator types by dynamically adjusting parameters rather than implementing separate dedicated interfaces. This single multi-functional interface reduces device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability across different voltage regulator characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes: a plurality of cores; a first storage to store parameter information for a voltage regulator to couple to the processor via a voltage regulator interface; and a power controller to control power consumption of the processor. The power controller may determine a performance state for one or more cores of the processor and include a hardware logic to generate a message for the voltage regulator based at least in part on the parameter information, where this message is to cause the voltage regulator to output a voltage to enable the one or more cores to operate at the performance state. Other embodiments are described and claimed.