SoC Coexistence Control Through Dynamic Operating Point Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with integrated SoCs face coexistence issues where the performance of one component negatively impacts another, leading to suboptimal operating points that are not user-aware or user-influenced.
Innovation Solution
A coexistence controller within the SoC detects coexistence events and communicates with a coexistence coordinator to change the operating point dynamically, allowing users to adjust settings to mitigate these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple SoC components operate concurrently at high performance levels, then overall device functionality is improved, but coexistence issues arise where one component's performance negatively impacts another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating point adjustment by allowing the system to transition between different operating states based on real-time coexistence conditions. The coexistence controller monitors component interactions and dynamically modifies operating parameters (such as clock frequencies, power levels) to maintain optimal performance for all components concurrently, rather than using fixed operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the coexistence controller continuously monitors the operational status and performance metrics of multiple SoC components. Based on this feedback, the system identifies coexistence events and adjusts operating points to resolve performance degradation, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing component interactions.
2Productivity
If the system operates at higher performance levels, then user capability is improved, but power consumption and thermal generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating points based on actual coexistence conditions and performance requirements, transitioning between high-performance and power-efficient states as needed. This allows the system to operate at higher performance levels only when necessary and maintain lower power consumption during normal operation, optimizing the trade-off between user capability and power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies operational parameters (clock speeds, voltage levels, power states) of SoC components to achieve optimal balance between performance and power consumption. By changing these parameters dynamically based on coexistence events, the system can provide high user capability when needed while maintaining power efficiency during standard operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed operating points are used for SoC components, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed operating points to dynamic operating point adjustment, where the system can adapt its operational characteristics based on different usage scenarios while maintaining stability through controlled transitions. The coexistence controller manages these dynamic changes to ensure system stability is not compromised while gaining adaptability to various operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal operating point management system that handles multiple usage scenarios through a single adaptive mechanism. The coexistence controller serves multiple functions by monitoring various component interactions, managing different types of coexistence events, and adjusting operating points for diverse operational conditions, thereby providing scenario adaptability without sacrificing system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes detecting, by a coexistence controller of a system on a chip (SoC), an occurrence of a coexistence event of an SoC component; providing, by the coexistence controller, an indication of the occurrence of the coexistence event to a coexistence coordinator; and changing, by the coexistence controller, an operating point of the SoC from a current operating point to a new operating point responsive to receiving an operating point change request from the coexistence coordinator.