DYNAMIC PARTITIONING A POWER BUDGET AMONG COMPUTE AGENTS OF A SYSTEM ON CHIP (SOC)

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application discusses a system for dynamically managing power distribution among compute agents within a System on Chip (SoC). This approach optimizes power usage to manage heat generation effectively. By monitoring the performance of compute agents, the system adjusts power allocation to ensure efficient workload processing. The innovation addresses situations where workloads are created faster than they are processed, and vice versa, by reallocating the power budget to balance performance and thermal constraints.

Background

Computing devices often face challenges in managing heat generated during operation, particularly under heavy workloads. Traditional thermal solutions like heatsinks and fans may struggle when devices operate near their maximum capacity, such as during video rendering or complex simulations. This can lead to constrained performance as devices throttle computational resources to prevent overheating. The proposed system aims to overcome these limitations by intelligently distributing power among compute agents based on real-time performance metrics.

Key Features

The method includes accessing a system power budget and performance metrics from consumer compute agents. It partitions the power budget among these agents to create component power budgets, which are then distributed accordingly. This dynamic partitioning is guided by performance metrics that reflect energy consumption and workload processing speeds. Adjustments are made to ensure that power distribution aligns with the current workload demands, enhancing both performance and thermal management.

Technical Implementation

The system involves a producer compute agent that receives the power budget from a system management controller monitoring device temperatures. The agent uses dynamic power coefficients to partition the power budget, adjusting these coefficients based on performance metrics. If workloads are being created faster than processed, more power is allocated to processing agents. Conversely, if processing is faster, power allocation is reduced. This balance minimizes thermal issues while maintaining optimal performance.

Applications and Benefits

This technology is applicable in various computing environments where heat management and performance optimization are critical. By dynamically adjusting power distribution, it enhances efficiency and reliability in devices under heavy workloads. The system's ability to respond to real-time performance data ensures that resources are used effectively, reducing the risk of overheating and associated performance throttling. This approach can significantly improve the operational lifespan and efficiency of computing devices.