Timing Estimation for VPU Power Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation and verification processes for power consumption in small-size processing units, such as video processing units (VPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), face difficulties due to the lack of self-contained time information, leading to prolonged development schedules as existing models require several months to develop and reflect accurate power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A timing estimation method and device that issue access requests at specific time points, calculate delay times, and adjust subsequent requests based on transmission times, allowing for accurate power consumption estimation and reduced development time by using a function verification model with a delay simulation module and processing time estimation module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing function models are used for simulation or verification of small-size processing units, then the development schedule can be maintained, but the power consumption reflection accuracy deteriorates due to lack of self-contained time information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing estimation device as an intermediary component that works together with the existing function verification model. This device calculates transmission delays and compensates for timing information without requiring modification to the original function model, thus maintaining the development schedule while improving power consumption measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing delay time calculations and compensation mechanisms. Instead of relying on self-contained time information in the function model, the system calculates actual transmission delays and uses these to estimate power consumption accurately, transforming the approach from model-internal timing to external timing estimation.
2Measurement precision
If new models with self-contained time information are developed for small-size processing units, then the power consumption reflection accuracy is improved, but the development time increases by several months
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely new models with self-contained time information, the patent creates a timing estimation device that copies and supplements the existing function verification model. This device calculates the missing timing information based on transmission delays, achieving accurate power consumption reflection without the several months of redevelopment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing estimation and delay calculation before actual power consumption verification. By pre-calculating transmission delays and compensating for timing information in advance, the system prepares accurate timing data that can be directly used with existing function models, avoiding the need for lengthy model redevelopment.
3Ease of operation
If delay time is not compensated in access requests, then the system operation is simplified, but the power consumption estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the timing estimation device continuously monitors transmission delays and adjusts compensation timing for subsequent access requests. This feedback loop maintains accurate power consumption estimation by dynamically adjusting for variable delays without complicating the overall system operation, as the compensation is automatically calculated and applied.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a timing estimation method and a simulator. The method is applied to a function verification model. In the method, the model issues a first access issue at a first time point; receives a first response to the first access issue from the bus at a second time point; calculates a delay time between the first and second time points; determines whether the delay time is longer than or substantially equal to a transmission time corresponding to the first access issue; issues a second access issue if yes; and issues the second access issue in a compensation time counting from the second time point if not. The compensation time is not longer than the difference between the transmission time and the delay time.