Self regulating temperature/performance/voltage scheme for micros (X86)
US5832284A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A processor which optimizes performance opportunistically by using a hierarchy of variables comprising voltage, clocking and the operations being performed by the processor or its system. The invention accomplishes performance optimization by defining various states with the goal that the processor stays in an optimal performance state of accelerated voltage and clock when the processor executional units are operating. The states are selected by a logic network based on information that is provided by temperature sensors and a performance control. The logic network can be envisioned as an UP-DOWN counter. The counter can be advanced UP or DOWN the state "ladder" as the conditions warrant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.