Single Loop Adaptive Voltage Scaling for Switching Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware performance monitoring systems, such as adaptive voltage scaling, often require multiple loops for voltage and performance regulation, which can be complex and inefficient, particularly in managing variations like process, voltage, and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A single regulation loop adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) system that uses performance monitoring circuitry to generate signals for adjusting the supply voltage based on detected performance levels, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation loops by focusing on signal path delay, allowing for higher bandwidth control and simplified design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple loops are used for voltage and performance regulation, then regulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate regulation loops (voltage regulation and performance regulation) into a single integrated regulation loop. The performance monitoring circuitry directly controls the switching regulator to adjust supply voltage, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation stages while maintaining both voltage and performance regulation functions within one unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single regulation loop is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it regulates both the supply voltage and the performance of the powered component. The performance monitoring circuitry monitors multiple parameters (signal path delay, operational performance) and uses this information to control the switching regulator, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated loops for each function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple loops are used for voltage and performance regulation, then regulation stability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple regulation loops into one, the patent reduces the number of control cycles and coordination overhead required between separate loops. The single loop operates more efficiently with direct feedback from performance monitoring to voltage control, maintaining stability while reducing the time and computational resources needed for regulation, thus improving overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single regulation loop enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of supply voltage based on real-time performance feedback without the interruptions or coordination delays that would occur between multiple separate loops. This continuous action maintains regulation stability while improving productivity by eliminating the cyclic coordination overhead inherent in multi-loop systems.
3Measurement precision
If separate voltage regulation loops are used, then voltage control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates voltage control precision into the single performance-based regulation loop. The performance monitoring circuitry detects performance levels and directly controls the switching regulator to adjust supply voltage with high precision, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation loops while maintaining precise voltage control through performance-oriented feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses direct feedback from performance monitoring circuitry to control the switching regulator. The performance monitoring signal corresponding to detected performance levels feeds back to the switching control circuitry, which adjusts the switching control signal to maintain precise voltage control based on actual performance requirements, replacing complex separate regulation loops with a streamlined feedback mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A methodology for regulating power supplied to a powered component based on hardware performance, such as may be used in a system that includes the powered component and a switching regulator (EMU or energy management unit) configured to supply a regulated supply voltage to the powered component. Performance monitoring circuitry generates a performance monitoring signal corresponding to a detected performance level of selected digital operations of the powered component relative to a reference performance level. Switching control circuitry provides a switching control signal in response to the performance monitoring signal. In an example embodiments, the switching control circuitry for the switching regulator (switching transistor) is integrated into the powered component, and the detected performance level corresponds to a detected signal path delay associated with the digital operations of the powered component.