On-Die ROM Lookup Table for Processor P1 Frequency Determinability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ACPI power management system faces challenges in accurately controlling power consumption and thermal limits due to a single predefined P1 frequency for processor performance states, which does not account for various processor configurations and workloads, leading to indeterminable performance levels pre-runtime.
Innovation Solution
Providing multiple P1 frequencies specific to different processor configurations, including accelerator enablement, core combinations, memory and I/O link speeds, and ambient temperatures, which are stored in on-die ROM and used by ACPI power management software to optimize power state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single predefined P1 frequency is used for processor performance states, then the ACPI power management system is simple to implement, but the performance levels become indeterminable pre-runtime and cannot accurately control power consumption and thermal limits for various processor configurations and workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple P1 frequencies in a lookup table during processor fabrication or initialization, each corresponding to specific configuration parameters (accelerator enablement, core combinations, memory and I/O link speeds, ambient temperatures). This allows the ACPI power management software to determine the correct frequency before runtime based on detected configuration, eliminating the need for complex runtime calculations while achieving precise performance level determinability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing multiple P1 frequency values indexed by configuration parameters such as accelerator enablement status, core combinations, memory and I/O link speeds, and ambient temperatures. The system selects the appropriate frequency by matching these parameters, thereby adapting the performance state to specific processor configurations and environmental conditions without requiring complex runtime analysis.
2Reliability
If multiple P1 frequencies specific to different processor configurations are provided, then precise power management and determinable performance levels are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple frequencies stored in on-die ROM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by organizing the multiple P1 frequencies into a structured lookup table where each frequency is associated with specific configuration parameters (accelerator enablement, core combinations, memory and I/O link speeds, ambient temperatures). This segmented organization allows the system to store multiple frequencies efficiently in on-die ROM by indexing them according to configuration states, reducing redundant storage while maintaining reliability for various processor configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single P1 frequency is used for all configurations, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability to different processor configurations and workloads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a lookup table that serves multiple functions: it stores P1 frequencies for various processor configurations (different accelerators, core combinations, memory and I/O link speeds, ambient temperatures), provides configuration detection capabilities, and enables appropriate frequency selection without requiring separate control logic for each configuration scenario. This single universal structure handles diverse adapter configurations and workload requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of an apparatus includes a semiconductor chip having a processor and an on-die non-volatile storage resource. The on-die non-volatile storage may store different, appropriate performance related information for different configurations and usage cases of the processor for a same performance state of the processor.