SoC Clock Control Unit Dynamic Frequency Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management techniques in System-on-Chip (SoC) are inefficient in reducing power consumption during wait states of peripheral controllers, as they require time-consuming determination of interrupt types and additional software logic, leading to prolonged wait periods and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically optimizes power consumption by switching the clock frequency of peripheral controllers to a lower frequency upon receiving interrupt signals, reducing power consumption without impacting performance, by routing interrupt signals directly to a clock control unit to manage clock frequencies accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the CPU determines interrupt types and intimates the clock controller to slow down clock frequencies, then power consumption is reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional software code and logic
Solution Approach 1:
The clock controller proactively monitors peripheral controller states and preemptively adjusts clock frequencies before the CPU needs to service interrupts. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming process of CPU determination and intimation, while still achieving power reduction goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock controller autonomously determines when to slow down clock frequencies by monitoring peripheral controller wait states directly, without requiring CPU intervention or additional software code. This self-service mechanism reduces both power consumption and processing time.
2Productivity
If the clock controller provides clock frequencies at full speed to peripheral controllers during wait states, then peripheral performance is maintained, but unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The clock controller dynamically adjusts clock frequencies based on real-time monitoring of peripheral controller states. When wait states are detected, frequencies are reduced; when active operation is needed, full speed is restored. This dynamic adaptation maintains performance when needed while reducing power during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the clock frequency parameter of peripheral controllers based on their operational state. By monitoring whether peripherals are in wait states or actively processing, the clock controller adjusts the frequency parameter to optimize the trade-off between performance and power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If additional logic is added to determine peripheral state and reduce clock frequencies, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock controller is designed to perform multiple functions: providing clock signals to peripheral controllers, monitoring their operational states, and dynamically adjusting frequencies. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated logic circuits into a single universal controller, reducing overall device complexity while achieving power savings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for dynamically optimizing power consumption in a System-on-Chip (SoC). The method comprises receiving at least one interrupt signal from a peripheral controller. The method further comprises switching clock frequency of the peripheral controller to a lower clock frequency than a normal operating clock frequency upon receiving the at least one interrupt. The method further comprises providing the lower clock frequency than the normal operating clock frequency to the peripheral controller for dynamically optimizing the power consumption of the SoC.