Segregated Power State Control in Distributed Cache Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cache coherent networks, global hardware control of power domains becomes unmanageable due to varying power requirements across address domain regions, especially when the number of cache partitions is high, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where addressable receiver partitions are grouped into partition groups with configurable power domains, allowing for selective and dynamic power control through a combination of hardware and software mechanisms, including a power control element and microcontroller software that manages power states across NUMA regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If global hardware control is used for power domains, then power management is simplified, but it becomes unmanageable when address domain regions with different power requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cache coherent network into multiple address domain regions, each with its own power domain requirements. Instead of managing all cache partitions globally, the system divides them into regional groups that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each region to have customized power management while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different power domain configurations for different address domain regions. Each region can have its own power management characteristics tailored to its specific requirements, rather than applying a uniform global power control policy. This enables optimized power management for each region's workload and performance needs.
2Ease of operation
If hardware control is implemented for each cache partition, then individual power control is achieved, but the system becomes unmanageable at the SOC level with high numbers of cache partitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual cache partition control into regional groupings. Instead of managing each cache partition separately, multiple partitions are grouped into address domain regions that share common power domain characteristics. This merging reduces the number of control entities from potentially hundreds of individual partitions to a manageable number of regional groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of address domain region controllers that mediate between global power management and individual cache partitions. This intermediary structure provides a hierarchical control mechanism where regional controllers manage groups of partitions, reducing the direct control burden while maintaining individual partition controllability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If address domain regions with different power requirements are introduced, then power management flexibility is improved, but global hardware control becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power domain configuration where address domain regions can be created, modified, and dissolved based on runtime requirements. The power domain structure is not fixed but can adapt to changing workload patterns and performance requirements, allowing the system to optimize power management dynamically rather than statically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power management architecture that can handle both global power control and regional power control through the same infrastructure. The address domain region framework provides a multi-functional control mechanism that works for simple scenarios (single power domain) and complex scenarios (multiple regions with different requirements) without requiring separate control paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and device provide for selective control in a distributed cache system of the power state of a number of receiver partitions arranged in one or more partition groups. A power control element coupled to one or more of the receiver partitions and a coherent interconnect selectively control transition from a current power state to a new power state by each receiver partition of one or more partition groups of the plurality of partition groups.