User-Level Application Processor Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face inefficiencies in managing processor working frequency, leading to underutilization of capacity and potential system crashes during peak periods, as existing methods like overclocking are inefficient and risk heat-related failures, while dynamic frequency adjustment technologies like Intel's SpeedStep are slow to respond to workload changes.
Innovation Solution
A processor with a frequency generating unit, memory for instructions, and an interface for user-level applications to dynamically change the working frequency, allowing user-level applications to request performance increases and optimize frequency based on workload and temperature, thereby reducing overhead and improving response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the processor working frequency is statically increased (overclocking), then the processing speed and capacity are improved, but heat problems and system reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by allowing user-level applications to send instructions to change the processor working frequency in real-time based on actual workload conditions. This replaces static overclocking with a dynamic system that adapts frequency to current needs, improving reliability while maintaining speed when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of processor working frequency dynamically based on application requests and system conditions. By allowing frequency to vary between minimum and maximum values determined by the operating system, the system optimizes between speed and heat generation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high speed and ensuring system stability.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the processor working frequency is dynamically adjusted using supervisor state instructions (Intel SpeedStep), then energy consumption and heat are reduced, but the response time to workload changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows user-level applications to send frequency change requests in advance before peak workloads occur. Applications can predict upcoming processing demands and proactively request frequency increases, eliminating the detection and response delay inherent in supervisor-state instruction systems. This preliminary action ensures the processor is already at the required frequency when the workload arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism between applications and the frequency control system. Instead of requiring supervisor state instructions, the system allows user-level applications to directly send frequency change requests through a new interface, eliminating the overhead and delay of OS mediation while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled frequency adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system manages processor frequency using supervisor state instructions, then system-wide frequency control is achieved, but application-level performance optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency control authority from the operating system to individual user-level applications. Each application can independently request frequency changes based on its specific performance needs, allowing fine-grained optimization at the application level while the OS maintains overall system control. This segmentation enables both system-wide coordination and application-specific performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables user-level applications to self-manage their own performance by directly requesting frequency changes without OS intervention. Applications can autonomously detect their performance needs and adjust processor frequency accordingly, improving productivity while the OS maintains system-wide adaptability through coordinated frequency management across multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction, processor, system, and method allow application level software to explicitly request a temporary performance boost, from computing hardware. Advanced management of a working frequency of a processor achieves the performance boost. Preferably, a processor with that advanced management and performance boost is implemented in an electronic exchange or another application where peak periods may occur.