Voltage Regulator Training for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art client and server processors rely on on-die voltage regulators (VRs) that are calibrated for worst-case scenarios, leading to artificially high power efficiency margins, which are not necessary in all implementations, resulting in suboptimal power usage.
Innovation Solution
A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) performs a training loop during system startup or reset to adjust electrical parameters and voltage outputs of both on-die and external VRs, optimizing power and performance by setting voltage levels according to specific component needs, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage regulators are calibrated for worst-case scenarios, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by training the voltage regulator during system initialization to determine the minimum voltage required for stable operation. The regulator then dynamically adjusts voltage levels based on actual operating conditions rather than maintaining fixed worst-case voltage levels, resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from fixed worst-case calibration to dynamically adjusted levels. By modifying the voltage regulator's operating parameter through training and initialization processes, the system achieves both reliability (through proper voltage levels) and power efficiency (through reduced voltage when possible).
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage regulators use fixed worst-case voltage levels, then stability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed voltage levels to dynamic voltage adjustment. The voltage regulator adapts its output based on training results and operational feedback, maintaining stability when needed while improving power efficiency by reducing voltage when full worst-case levels are not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator performs self-adjustment through automated training processes during initialization. The system independently determines optimal voltage levels without requiring manual intervention, achieving both stability and power efficiency through self-calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments including systems, methods, and apparatuses associated with increasing the power efficiency of one or more components of a computing system. Specifically, the system may include a processor chip which may include an on-die voltage regulator (VR) configured to supply a voltage to a component of the processor chip. The processor chip may be coupled with a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The system may further include an external VR coupled with the DRAM. A BIOS may be configured to regulate the voltage output of one or both of the on-die VR and/or the external VR. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.