SoC Power Tree Control Using Rule-Based State Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems on a chip (SoCs) face challenges in optimizing power management to achieve optimal operational states efficiently, as determining which voltage regulators to activate and in what order is not trivial, leading to potential inefficiencies and heat-related issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a knowledge-based system within the SoC that maintains rules for shifting between power tree configurations, allowing for dynamic adjustment of power management by determining optimal sequential actions based on current and target states, without requiring a separate external power management circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a separate external power management circuit is used to dynamically control power management blocks, then power optimization capability is improved, but device complexity and external component requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower optimization capabilityVSAvoidexternal circuit requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power management functionality into the SoC itself by integrating a power management unit (PMU) and control logic within the chip architecture. This eliminates the need for separate external power management circuits while maintaining dynamic power optimization capabilities through internal voltage regulators and power control blocks that are co-located with the functional units they manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SoC performs self-power-management through integrated control logic that automatically monitors operational states and adjusts power tree configurations without external intervention. The system uses internal sensors and control units to detect functional unit states and autonomously reconfigure voltage regulator outputs and power distribution, enabling the chip to manage its own power consumption dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If dynamic power management is implemented to optimize runtime power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the complexity of determining optimal voltage regulator activation sequences increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-establishes power management rules and operational state transitions within the integrated control logic. The system stores predefined power management policies that map functional unit operational states to appropriate voltage regulator configurations, allowing the control unit to quickly determine optimal power tree settings without complex real-time calculations, thus reducing control complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or external control systems with integrated electronic control logic and software-based power management algorithms. The control unit uses digital signal processing and logic circuits to automatically adjust power configurations based on monitored operational states, substituting what would otherwise require external mechanical switches or complex external control circuits with streamlined electronic control within the SoC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power tree configuration is adjusted frequently to match target SoC states, then adaptability is improved, but computing resources and adjustment time are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective power tree reconfiguration by monitoring only critical operational state changes that warrant power adjustments. The control logic compares current states against predefined thresholds and only triggers power tree configuration changes when necessary, avoiding unnecessary adjustments for minor state variations. This partial action approach maintains adaptability for significant state changes while reducing the frequency of configuration adjustments to minimize time loss and computing resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12487649B2Power management of a system on a chip using a knowledge-based system

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus for power management of a system on a chip, SoC. The apparatus comprises means for performing the following. The apparatus maintains, in a memory, a knowledge-based system comprising a plurality of rules. Each rule maps a shift from a first to a second SoC state to a set of one or more sequential actions for activating a power tree configuration corresponding to said second SoC state. The apparatus receives a request for adjusting a current power tree configuration so as to match a target SoC state. The apparatus determines a set of one or more sequential actions for activating an optimal power tree configuration for the SoC based on the knowledge-based system using current and target SoC states as an input. Finally, the apparatus adjusts the current power tree configuration according to the set of one or more sequential actions.