Smart Interrupt Controller Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face inefficiencies in handling interrupts due to the lack of knowledge about processor loads and power states in interrupt distribution, leading to increased latency, system sluggishness, and higher power consumption when handling asynchronous interrupts from peripheral devices.
Innovation Solution
A smart interrupt controller (SIC) dynamically routes interrupts based on processor/core load and power state, using storage registers and interrupt routing logic to select the most appropriate processor/core for servicing, thereby reducing power consumption and improving system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If interrupts are routed to designated processors without considering load and power state, then processor affinity is maintained, but power consumption increases and system performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt controller continuously monitors processor load and power state information, using this feedback to dynamically adjust interrupt routing decisions. This ensures that interrupts are directed to processors in an optimized manner, balancing power consumption with system performance without requiring complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static interrupt routing based on fixed processor affinity to dynamic routing that adapts to changing processor states. The interrupt controller can modify routing decisions in real-time based on current load and power state, optimizing system behavior without increasing operational complexity
2Loss of time
If interrupts are routed to active processors with low load, then interrupt latency is reduced, but the complexity of selecting appropriate processors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes processor affinity relationships and maintains information about processor capabilities and characteristics. This preliminary organization allows the interrupt controller to quickly identify suitable processors when interrupts occur, reducing latency without requiring complex real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt controller acts as an intermediary between peripheral devices and processors, absorbing the complexity of processor selection logic. It monitors processor states and makes routing decisions based on load and power state information, shielding the rest of the system from complexity while achieving low-latency interrupt handling
3Use of energy by moving object
If processors are kept in low power mode to reduce consumption, then power efficiency improves, but interrupt response time increases due to wake-up delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor power states based on system needs and interrupt patterns. The interrupt controller can determine whether to route interrupts to sleeping processors (allowing them to wake) or to active processors, optimizing the balance between power efficiency and response time based on current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a subset of processors in active state while allowing others to sleep, rather than keeping all processors active. This partial action approach ensures that some processors are immediately available for interrupts while others conserve power, achieving a practical compromise between response speed and energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A smart interrupt controller (SIC) routs an interrupt to a specific processor by dynamically changing the affinity of the interrupt based upon the processor power state and/or system load thereof. The SIC arbitrates interrupt servicing based on various parameters such as interrupt priority, interrupt affinity, processor load and processor power. Interrupt load sharing between selected processors increases overall computer system performance. Interrupt latency times decrease by avoiding unnecessary switching of processor power states from an inactive state to an active state by instead routing the interrupt to a different processor already in an active state. Interrupt latency times will decrease by routing the interrupt service request from a heavily loaded processor to one that is not so heavily loaded. Whereby active processor clock cycles are effectively utilized for interrupt servicing. Overall computer system power requirements will be reduced by eliminating unnecessary waking up of an inactive (sleeping) processor.