Voltage Regulator Power State Scaling for Workload-Based Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power requirements and energy consumption of computing systems, particularly in devices with multiple integrated circuits, lead to significant power delivery losses, necessitating improved power delivery efficiency to enhance battery life and reduce overall energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic control system for voltage regulators that configures power state profiles based on workload classification, environmental conditions, and user preferences, utilizing machine learning to optimize voltage regulator settings and reduce power consumption by dynamically selecting appropriate power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amount of logic and integrated circuits is increased to improve computing power, then processing capability is improved, but power requirements and energy consumption escalate
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator operates in multiple dynamic modes (continuous conduction mode, discontinuous conduction mode, pulse skip mode) that can be switched based on load conditions. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the actual processing requirements, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining the required processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (conduction mode, duty cycle, switching frequency) of the voltage regulator to optimize the relationship between processing power and power consumption. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can deliver high processing power when needed while minimizing energy consumption during lower-demand periods
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage regulator operates in continuous conduction mode to maintain stable voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power delivery losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between continuous conduction mode (CCM), discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and pulse skip mode based on the load current and power delivery requirements. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to maintain voltage stability when needed while reducing power delivery losses by operating in more efficient modes during appropriate conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conduction mode parameter of the voltage regulator from continuous to discontinuous or pulse-skip modes to optimize the trade-off between voltage stability and power delivery efficiency. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system can reduce power delivery losses while maintaining adequate voltage regulation
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power state profiles are implemented to optimize power delivery, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator implements multiple power state profiles with different operating characteristics (CCM, DCM, pulse skip modes) that can be dynamically selected based on workload conditions. This dynamic multi-profile approach improves energy efficiency across different operating scenarios while managing complexity through systematic mode selection
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple conduction modes and power states within a single device architecture. This universal design allows one regulator to handle diverse workload conditions efficiently, improving energy efficiency without requiring separate regulators for each operating mode
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes: at least one core to execute a workload; a voltage regulator to provide an operating voltage to the at least one core; and a power controller coupled to the voltage regulator. The power controller may control the voltage regulator to provide the operating voltage, and may have a voltage regulator control circuit to select one of a plurality of power state profiles based at least in part on a classification of the workload, and to cause an update to a power state of the voltage regulator according to the selected power state profile. Other embodiments are described and claimed.