Method and system for dynamic clock frequency adjustment for a graphics subsystem in a computer
US6397343B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/08
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a computer system having a CPU and a graphics subsystem, a device for dynamic graphics subsystem clock adjustment. A clock pulse generator is used for generating a clock frequency. The clock frequency is coupled to the graphics subsystem and is used by the graphics subsystem to synchronize and pace its internal operations. The clock frequency generated by the generator is variable over a range. A controller is coupled to the clock pulse generator, for adjusting the clock frequency from the clock pulse generator over the range. The controller interfaces with the computer system through an interface coupled to the controller. Through the interface, the controller communicates with the computer system or graphics subsystem and determines a load placed on the graphics subsystem. The controller adjusts the clock frequency generated by the clock pulse generator such that the clock frequency increases when the load on the graphics subsystem increases and the clock frequency decreases when the load on the graphics subsystem decreases, dynamically adjusting the clock frequency in response to the load on the graphics subsystem.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.