Adaptive voltage frequency scaling for optimal power efficiency
US10659063B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03L2207/05
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention are directed to techniques for improving the efficiency of power supply schemes by continuously and adaptively scaling voltage and frequency levels in an integrated circuit based on measured conditions in real-time, without resorting to a reliance on excessive pre-computed margins typical of conventional schemes. Embodiments of the present invention employ a self-tuning dynamic voltage control oscillator (or other similar clock signal generator) that sets the frequency for components in the integrated circuit. When a requested frequency exceeds a maximum allowed frequency for a given voltage level (accounting for other age and temperature related conditions), a look-up table is dynamically referenced to determine a new voltage level that is sufficient to safely and efficiently generate the requested frequency. The look-up table continuously receives updates on the operating conditions, and new voltage requests can be generated dynamically as necessary based on the system's current needs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.