SOC Integrated Fan Controller for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for system on a chip (SOC) require external controllers, leading to increased manufacturing costs, larger PCB area, and processing latency due to signal propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an internal fan controller and tachometer within the SOC for active thermal control, utilizing a thermal control algorithm based on internal temperature measurements and tachometer feedback to regulate fan speed efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If external controllers are used for thermal management, then thermal control functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fan controller and tachometer functions directly into the SOC chip, merging previously separate external controller components with the main processing unit. This integration eliminates the need for external thermal management controllers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and device area while maintaining thermal control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOC chip is designed to perform multiple functions including both processing operations and thermal management control. The integrated fan controller and tachometer enable the SOC to universally handle both computation and thermal regulation tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated external thermal management hardware.
2Loss of time
If external controllers are used for thermal management, then thermal control functionality is achieved, but signal propagation delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fan controller and tachometer into the SOC, the patent eliminates signal propagation delays associated with external controllers. The thermal management functions now execute directly within the SOC, reducing the time loss from signal transmission and improving overall processing latency.
3Productivity
If internal fan controller and tachometer are integrated in SOC, then manufacturing costs are reduced and latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fan controller and tachometer within the SOC merges multiple functions into a single device, improving productivity by eliminating signal propagation delays and reducing manufacturing costs. The merged architecture enables faster thermal response and better SOC performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOC performs self-service thermal management by integrating the control functions directly within the chip. The SOC monitors its own temperature and controls the fan accordingly, eliminating the need for external controllers and improving overall system efficiency and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to active thermal control for a system on a chip (SOC). In accordance with one aspect, an internal fan controller is configured to generate a fan pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, wherein the internal fan controller is integrated as part of a system on a chip (SOC); a fan module is configured to generate one or more tachometer pulses; and an internal tachometer coupled to the internal fan controller and the fan module, the internal tachometer is configured to receive the one or more tachometer pulses from the fan module, wherein the internal tachometer is integrated as part of the system on a chip (SOC).