Voltage Identifier Sorting for Processor Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

As processors increase in speed and size, power consumption becomes a significant concern due to heat generation, and multiple core processors complicate this issue, requiring optimized voltage management to balance performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A voltage identifier (VID) sorting system that determines an acceptable range of voltage identifiers based on current and voltage characteristics to select a VID that optimizes for minimum power and maximum voltage guardband at a constant processor frequency, using semiconductor testing to identify the lowest and highest valid VIDs that pass functionality and thermal design point tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple core processors are used to increase functionality and performance, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting voltage identifiers (VIDs) to optimize power consumption. The system determines an acceptable range of VIDs based on voltage versus current characteristics and selects specific VIDs to minimize power consumption while maintaining processor functionality across multiple cores

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling by testing and selecting VIDs that optimize power consumption for each processor core. The system dynamically adjusts voltage settings based on measured current draw and power consumption, allowing each core to operate at optimal voltage levels rather than fixed voltages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If voltage levels are reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage stability and performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by measuring current draw at different voltage levels and using this information to determine an acceptable range of VIDs. The system continuously monitors power consumption and adjusts voltage settings to maintain stability while optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring voltage remains within acceptable bounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining an acceptable range of VIDs based on voltage versus current characteristics before actual processor operation. This preliminary characterization allows the system to select optimal VIDs that guarantee both energy efficiency and voltage stability without requiring real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If die size is shrunk to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but fabrication variability impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfabrication variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for fabrication variability by adjusting voltage identifiers (VIDs) as a parameter. The system determines an acceptable range of VIDs that accounts for manufacturing variations in shrunk die sizes, selecting VIDs that ensure consistent power consumption and performance across processors with different fabrication characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If more processor cores are added to increase functionality, then processing capability is improved, but voltage management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidvoltage management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by treating each processor core as an independent unit with its own voltage identifier (VID) settings. The system determines an acceptable range of VIDs for each core individually based on voltage versus current characteristics, allowing independent optimization of each core's power consumption without affecting others

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7739573B2Voltage identifier sorting

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 X CORP

AI summary

A voltage identifier (VID) sorting system is provided that optimizes processor power and operating voltage guardband at a constant processor frequency. The VID sorting system determines a voltage versus current curve for the processor. The VID sorting system then uses the voltage versus current characteristics to calculate the power for each VID to determine an acceptable range of VIDs within the maximum power criteria. The VID sorting system then tests VIDs in the range and selects a VID from the range to optimize for minimum power and/or maximum voltage guardband at a constant processor frequency.