Dynamic Frequency Control for System-on-Chip Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system-on-chip (SOC) technologies face challenges in optimizing performance based on permitted power consumption, as they often rely on a single maximum operating frequency regardless of the number of active processor cores or the type of processing operations, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting the operating frequency of multiple processor cores within a SOC to a first frequency based on permitted power consumption and operating status, activating a warning signal when power consumption exceeds limits, and performing control operations to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single maximum operating frequency is used regardless of active processor cores or processing operations, then device complexity is reduced, but performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by setting different operating frequencies for different numbers of active processor cores and different processing operations. The operating frequency is dynamically changed based on real-time system state, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific operating condition rather than using a fixed single frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter according to the number of active processor cores and the type of processing operation. By adjusting this key parameter based on system state, the patent achieves optimal performance for different workloads while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured frequency management.
2Productivity
If operating frequency is increased to maximize performance, then productivity improves, but power consumption exceeds permitted limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operating frequency to match the permitted power consumption level. When power consumption approaches the limit, the system automatically reduces the operating frequency, ensuring that performance is maximized within the power budget without exceeding energy constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors power consumption and adjusts the operating frequency accordingly. The system continuously compares actual power consumption against permitted limits and modifies the frequency setting to maintain performance while staying within power constraints, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Productivity
If operating frequency is set to maximum to optimize performance, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically sets the operating frequency based on real-time power consumption monitoring, ensuring that the system operates within safe power limits that maintain reliability. By adjusting frequency according to actual system state rather than always using maximum frequency, the patent prevents overheating and power-related failures while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes permitted power consumption levels in advance and uses these pre-defined limits to guide frequency selection. By setting operating parameters before execution based on power constraints, the system ensures reliable operation from the start without risking excessive power consumption that could compromise system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of operating a system-on-chip (SOC), the SOC includes a plurality of processor cores. An operating frequency of the plurality of processor cores is set to a first operating frequency based on permitted power consumption of the SOC and an operating status of the plurality of processor cores. The first operating frequency is within a maximum operating frequency of the plurality of processor cores. At least one of the plurality of processor cores performs at least one processing operation based on the first operating frequency. When present power consumption of the SOC is determined as exceeding the permitted power consumption, a warning signal is activated, and a first control operation for reducing the present power consumption is performed immediately thereafter.