System and method for determining a power estimate for an I/O controller based on monitored activity levels and adjusting power limit of processing units by comparing the power estimate with an assigned power limit for the I/O controller
US8862909B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for efficient management of operating modes within an IC for optimal power and performance targets. On a same die, an SOC includes one or more processing units and a input/output (I/O) controller (IOC). The multiple interfaces within the IOC manage packets and messages according multiple different protocols. The IOC maintains an activity level for each one of the multiple interfaces. This activity level may be based at least on a respective number of transactions executed by a corresponding one of the multiple interfaces. The IOC determines a power estimate for itself based on at least the activity levels. In response to detecting a difference between the power estimate and an assigned I/O power limit for the IOC, a power manager adjusts at least respective power limits for the one or more processing units based on at least the difference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.