Patent · US Active

Processor power management

US8112250B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
2References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 3, 2008
Grant dateFeb 7, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 19, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02D10/00
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Semiconductor device circuits and methods are provided for adjusting core processor performance and energy-efficiency based on usage metrics. Metric detection, performance state selection, and adjustment are done in digital logic hardware without intervening input from system software or firmware, thus greatly speeding the processor performance adjustment. Mapping usage and state information to desired processor power-performance states is also provided in circuitry rather than firmware or power control software. The mapping values may be programmable software or firmware, but detection, selection, and adjustment occur automatically in hardware without intervening input from firmware or software.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.