Semiconductor Thermal Throttling Coordination Across Multiple Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal control methods for semiconductor devices, such as system-on-a-chip (SoC), involve inefficient and repetitive throttling steps due to lack of communication and synchronization among multiple temperature controllers, leading to suboptimal user experiences and energy waste.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a central unit that communicates with and coordinates multiple temperature controllers, accessing their throttling tables and the current performance state of the element, to dynamically control throttling steps based on the element's actual status, thereby optimizing thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple temperature controllers sequentially apply throttling steps based on static throttling tables, then thermal control coverage is improved, but redundant throttling actions occur and system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central unit receives current performance state information from the element and dynamically adjusts throttling commands based on actual thermal conditions and previously applied throttling steps. This feedback loop prevents redundant throttling actions by controllers that would otherwise independently apply similar throttling steps based on static tables, thereby improving system efficiency while maintaining thermal control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple temperature controllers under a central unit that coordinates their actions. Instead of independent operation based on separate throttling tables, the central unit consolidates control logic and dynamically commands throttling steps to multiple controllers, eliminating redundant actions and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining comprehensive thermal control.
2Ease of operation
If temperature controllers operate independently based on their own throttling tables, then control autonomy is improved, but coordination failures lead to redundant throttling and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The central unit serves as an intermediary between multiple temperature controllers and the element. It receives autonomous control inputs from controllers, coordinates their actions based on current performance state information, and dynamically commands throttling steps that account for previously applied actions by other controllers. This intermediary role maintains controller autonomy while preventing energy waste from redundant throttling through coordinated operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If static throttling tables are used for thermal control, then implementation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to dynamic performance states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static throttling tables into a dynamic control system where the central unit receives current performance state information from the element and dynamically adjusts throttling commands in real-time. This dynamic approach adapts to changing thermal conditions and previously applied throttling steps, improving versatility while maintaining implementation simplicity through the centralized coordination architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of self-adjusting aware thermal control of a semiconductor device are disclosed. For example, a central unit may be coupled with an element of the semiconductor device and one or more temperature controllers configured to sequentially apply throttling steps to thermally control the element. The throttling steps are sequentially applied based on individual throttling tables. The central unit has access to the individual throttling tables and may access a current performance state of the element. The central unit may command one or more of the temperature controllers to throttle the element based on the current performance state of the element. The central unit may command one or more of the temperature controllers to apply a throttling step to the element based on throttling steps previously applied to the element. The temperature controllers may include memory to store a current throttling status of the element communicated by the central unit.