Virtual Operating Point for Processor Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems face inefficiencies in managing processor discrete operating points, leading to suboptimal power consumption and performance, as the combination of operational frequency and voltage often does not match desired power states, resulting in increased design and testing costs and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to manage multiple discrete operating points by identifying a stable virtual operating point through power-performance state transitions, using a power model to set operational voltage and frequency, and toggling between discrete states to maintain a desired power target, thereby optimizing power utilization and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more discrete P-states are added to provide finer grain combinations of operational frequency and voltage, then power management flexibility is improved, but design and test costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of operating points by introducing a virtual operating point that is not fixed to discrete P-states. Instead of adding more discrete states, the system dynamically adjusts operational frequency and voltage to achieve a desired virtual operating point, providing flexibility without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual operating point as an intermediary between discrete P-states. This virtual point acts as a mediator that allows the system to target specific power-performance combinations without being constrained by available discrete states, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity
2Loss of energy
If a close-matching discrete P-state is chosen to match computed operational frequency and voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but performance is reduced below computed power limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static discrete P-state selection to dynamic operation around a virtual operating point. The system can continuously adjust frequency and voltage to maintain optimal performance at the desired power level, rather than being locked into fixed discrete states that may underdeliver performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by targeting a virtual operating point that specifies desired frequency and voltage combinations. By dynamically adjusting these parameters around the virtual point, the system achieves both the desired power consumption and corresponding performance, resolving the trade-off between power reduction and performance maintenance
3Productivity
If operational frequency and voltage are increased to meet power target, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases beyond limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring power consumption and adjusting operational frequency and voltage to maintain operation at the virtual operating point. This feedback mechanism ensures performance is maximized while staying within power limits, as the system dynamically corrects deviations from the target power-consumption balance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for managing multiple discrete operating points to create a stable virtual operating point. One or more functional blocks within a processor produces data corresponding to an activity level associated with the respective functional block. A power manager determines a power consumption value based on the data once every given sample interval. In addition, the power manager determines a signed accumulated difference over time between a thermal design power (TDP) and the power consumption value. The power manager selects a next power-performance state (P-state) based on comparisons of the signed accumulated difference and given thresholds. Transitioning between P-states in this manner while the workload does not significantly change causes the processor to operate at a virtual operating point between supported discrete operating points.