Activity smoothener circuit controlling rates of change of localized processing activity in an integrated circuit (IC), and related methods
US11960338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An activity smoothener circuit is provided to control rates of change in processing activity to limit di/dt in activity areas of an IC to mitigate voltage droops or overshoots. Controlling the rate of change of activity prevents or reduces instances of a di/dt exceeding a programmed maximum that is based on physical limits of the IC and/or a package. In examples, the activity smoothener circuit includes a hierarchy of smoothening circuits controlling activity in areas down to individual circuit blocks (tiles) including execution circuits. An indication of a desired level of activity is provided to a parent smoothening circuit and the parent smoothening circuit responds with indications of actual activity allowed to occur. At each level of hierarchy, the activity smoothener circuit may use algorithms to generate indications of actual activity based on indications of desired activity and di/dt limits. Di/dt limits and current minimums and maximums are controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.