CN103718461B - For the method and apparatus improving the performance of digital circuit - Google Patents
For the method and apparatus improving the performance of digital circuit Download PDFInfo
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- CN103718461B CN103718461B CN201280037646.6A CN201280037646A CN103718461B CN 103718461 B CN103718461 B CN 103718461B CN 201280037646 A CN201280037646 A CN 201280037646A CN 103718461 B CN103718461 B CN 103718461B
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Abstract
Illustrative embodiment provides method, system and the computer program of performance for improving digital circuit.Using the actual frequency that loop adjusts the operation of described digital circuit that control in digital circuit, adjustment actual frequency are the responses of the change of the mode of operation to digital circuit.The measurement result of the electric current that digital circuit is drawn is received from the voltage regulator providing electric power to digital circuit.Receive overcurrent target current value.Adjust the voltage output from voltage regulator to digital circuit so that the electric current that digital circuit is drawn is less than overcurrent target current value.
Description
Technical field
This invention relates generally to method, system and the calculating of the computer implemented performance for improving digital circuit
Machine program product.Especially, the present invention relates to improve the property of digital circuit for the electric current drawn by management digital circuit
Can with computer implemented method, system and computer program.
Background technology
Modern electronic equipment includes the assembly using integrated circuit.Integrated circuit is to use silicon as substrate, and passes through
Add the electronic circuit that impurity is formed to form solid electronic device (such as transistor, diode and resistor).Integrated electricity
Road is commonly called " chip ", and it is typically packaged in duroplasts.Assembly in modern electronic equipment be typically rendered as with
From the rectangle black plastic sheet of the connector inserting pin that plastics package highlights.
Digital circuit is designed to accept numeral input, perform some electronics electricity calculating and producing numeral output
Road.Digital circuit can be a part for integrated circuit, or can comprise more than the integrated circuit of.
Electronic circuit consumes electric power to perform its preplanned mission.The performance of circuit depends on the spy being supplied to the electric power of circuit
Property.Such as, it is provided that to the voltage of circuit corresponding to the manipulable frequency of circuit.The frequency of circuit is otherwise known as " periodicity ",
And it is that circuit divides its operation to perform the minimum time unit of given live load.
Typically, the raising of frequency causes the raising of circuit performance, until the limit of given electronic circuit.In other words, frequently
Rate is the highest, and the work that electronic circuit performs is the most, although the raising of performance is not necessarily proportional to the raising of operation frequency.
It is applied between the voltage of circuit and the manipulable frequency of circuit there is a kind of relation.Typically, the increasing of voltage
Adding the raising of the operation frequency causing circuit, it causes the raising of performance of circuit, until the limit of given electronic circuit.With
Sample, voltage, frequency and performance are not in relation to be proportional to one another, although described relation is dull.
Such as, the increase of voltage is not unlimited.Exceed maximum voltage and may cause mistake or the fault of electronic circuit, its
Cause the system failure.Reduce the voltage to can also have under certain threshold value similar result.
Summary of the invention
Illustrative embodiment provides a kind of for using current management to improve the method for the performance of digital circuit, to be
System and computer program.The operation controlling the described digital circuit of loop adjustment in one embodiment use digital circuit
Actual frequency, adjust the response that actual frequency are the changes of the mode of operation to digital circuit.This embodiment is to digital circuit
The voltage regulator providing electric power receives the measurement result of the electric current drawn by described digital circuit.This embodiment receives overcurrent
Target current value.This embodiment adjusts the voltage output from voltage regulator to digital circuit so that described digital circuit is drawn
Electric current less than overcurrent target current value.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Elaborate to be considered as the new feature of the characteristic of embodiment in the following claims.But, it is explained with reference to
Property embodiment described further below, and read in conjunction with the accompanying, embodiments of the invention itself will be best understood, preferably make
By pattern and its other purpose and advantage.
Accompanying drawing 1 depicts the diagram of the network of the data handling system that wherein can realize illustrative embodiment.
Accompanying drawing 2 depicts the block diagram of the data handling system that wherein can realize illustrative embodiment.
Accompanying drawing 3 depicts the frequency of example and voltage control loop that can realize illustrative embodiment for it；
Accompanying drawing 4 depict according to an illustrative embodiment for using electric current output information to adjust frequency and voltage
Enhancing configuration；
Accompanying drawing 5 depict according to an illustrative embodiment for using electric current output information to adjust frequency and voltage
Another strengthen configuration；
Accompanying drawing 6 depicts according to being improved by the Current draw using circuit of an illustrative embodiment digital electric
The flow chart of the process of the performance on road；With
Accompanying drawing 7 depicts according to being improved by the Current draw using circuit of an illustrative embodiment digital electric
Another flow chart processed of the performance on road.
Detailed description of the invention
At present, the performance of digital circuit is enhanced by improving the frequency of digital circuit.Such as, " the acceleration of processor
(turbo) " pattern allows processor to operate with the frequency exceeding about 10%.
Typically, voltage regulator or its equivalent manage and be supplied to the electric power of digital circuit.Voltage regulator is adjusted
Joint puts on the voltage of digital circuit.Depending on voltage and some other factors applied, the assembly in digital circuit adjusts institute
State the frequency of circuit operation.Such as, critical path monitor (CPM) assembly in digital circuit uses voltage, live load special
Property and ambient condition (such as temperature and elevation information) determine operation digital circuit suitable frequency.When live load, environment
When state, voltage or a combination thereof change, the feedback circuit from CPM output adjusts digital phase-locked loop in response to described change
(DPLL) frequency.
Currently for digital circuit, it is prefixed the upper lower threshold value of frequency, voltage or a combination thereof.Normal manipulation mode or all
Such as the performance boost pattern of " acceleration " pattern in some circuit, voltage and frequency are adjusted within being limited in these threshold values.
Embodiments of the invention recognize that these threshold values are that the worst case using circuit operation state is arranged.Such as,
The voltage of processor and frequency threshold can be arranged in such a way, i.e. even if when the worst ring targeted in circuit design
Under the state of border, when performing to have the worst live load that may use characteristic on this circuit, this circuit also will not fault.
These embodiments recognize that this conservative threshold value significantly limit the performance of digital circuit, because grasping in reality
In work, most of digital circuits do not operate in the worst possible normal condition.These embodiments it is also recognized that, it is contemplated that be for
The worst possible operation state and the threshold value that designs, then the total current of circuit draws is limited to Low threshold so, so that
The overcurrent risk that is not necessarily in system and the electric current output that monitors voltage regulator.Overcurrent is the electric current that digital circuit is drawn
Exceed the state of the threshold value value of the total current draw of circuit.When overcurrent condition occurs in digital circuit, voltage-regulation
Device responds by reducing the voltage to arrange less than the voltage of request, and this may cause the timing failures of digital circuit.
These embodiments are it is also recognized that the performance of digital circuit can be improved further, and the frequency well beyond 10% improves
Typical case " accelerate " pattern.The Warm status of some currently used technical surveillance chip, to determine whether chip can be stood
The interim acceleration that short-term " acceleration " more than 10% promotes.It is cold with caused that this technology utilizes the low-level use of chip
But, in time short-term, improves frequency more than 10%.Once the temperature of chip is close to threshold value, then accelerate to be lowered to " acceleration "
Or normal operating level.
These embodiments recognize that the frequency of circuit can be improved " super acceleration " operation mould more than 10% whereby over a long time
Formula is feasible.These embodiments are recognized by while monitoring that voltage exports, and monitor the electric current output of voltage regulator,
Can not only use " control handle " that voltage and frequency adjust, and " control handle " that use electric current to export improves relevant
The performance of the digital circuit of connection.
Usually consider for describing the illustrative embodiment of the present invention and solve the performance improvement about digital circuit
The problems referred to above and other problem.Illustrative embodiment provides a kind of electric current for being drawn by management digital circuit to improve
The method of the performance of digital circuit, system and computer program.
One examples measure is to the electric current output of the voltage regulator of digital circuit offer electric power.This embodiment uses to be surveyed
The current value of amount adjusts voltage threshold, frequency threshold or a combination thereof so that digital circuit can be with higher than normal or " acceleration " mould
The current value operation of formula and less than overcurrent threshold value, and produce to exceed simultaneously and be currently available that and accelerate mode performance tolerance
Performance.
Merely exemplary, describe illustrative embodiment for some equipment or assembly.This description is not intended to
Restriction to illustrative embodiment.It is, for example possible to use other digital circuit any in the range of illustrative embodiment is real
The illustrative embodiment now described for processor.
Furthermore, it is possible to realize illustrative embodiment for any kind of power supply, include but not limited to voltage regulator.?
In the range of embodiments of the invention, any kind of power supply can or pass through data network in data handling system this locality
To provide current data to embodiments of the invention.
Merely exemplary, describe illustrative embodiment for some application.This description is not intended to the present invention
The restriction of embodiment.Embodiments of the invention can be realized for any kind of application, for example, such as be serviced
Application, example, platform application, independent utility, management application or a combination thereof of the application of any kind of server.
Application (including all or part of application realizing an embodiment) can also include data object, code pair
As, encapsulation instruction, application fragment, service and obtainable other type of resource in data processing circumstance.Such as,Object, Enterprise Java Bean(EJB), servlet or applet can be the performance of application
Form, can realize embodiments of the invention for them.(Java and all trade marks based on Java and mark are Oracle
And/or the trade mark of its branch or registered trade mark).
Illustrative embodiment can be realized with hardware, software or a combination thereof.Can also be in data-oriented processing system
Any kind of data storage resource (such as physics or virtual data storage device) that can obtain in configuration realizes illustrative
Embodiment.
Example in the disclosure is only used for the clearness described, and is not the restriction of illustrative embodiment.According to these public affairs
Open it is contemplated that additional data, operation, action, task, activity and process, and they are considered in illustrative embodiment
In the range of.
Merely exemplary, employ specific code, design, architecture, layout, chart and instrument to describe explanation
Property embodiment, and they are not the restrictions to illustrative embodiment.Additionally, in some cases, only clear merely for describing
For the sake of employ specific software, instrument and data processing circumstance to describe illustrative embodiment as example.Can be in conjunction with it
It is corresponding or has the structure of similar purpose, system, application or architecture to use these illustrative embodiment.
Any advantage listed herewith is only example, and is not intended as the restriction of illustrative embodiment.Can pass through
Specific illustrative embodiment realizes additional or different advantage.Additionally, specific illustrative embodiment can have some,
Whole advantages listed above or not there is advantages listed above.
With reference to accompanying drawing, with particular reference to Fig. 1 and 2, these accompanying drawings are that the data that can realize illustrative embodiment process ring
The example illustration in border.Fig. 1 and 2 is only example, and is not intended to claim or imply the environment about realizing different embodiment
Any restriction.Specific realization can carry out many amendments based on the following description environment to being described.
Fig. 1 is shown in which to realize the diagram of the network of the data handling system of illustrative embodiment.Data process
Environment 100 is the computer network that wherein can realize illustrative embodiment.Data processing circumstance 100 includes network 102.Network
102 is for providing the communication link between various equipment and the computer linked together in data processing circumstance 100
Medium.Network 102 can include connecting, the most wired, wireless communication link or optical cable.Server 104 and server 106 and
Memory element 108 is coupled to network 102.Software application can perform on any computer in data processing circumstance 100.
It addition, client 110,112 and 114 is coupled to network 102.Such as server 104 or 106 or client 110,
The data handling system of 112 or 114 can comprise data, and can have the software application performed thereon or software work
Tool.
Application 105 can be logic or any suitable software application of calculating, the hardware electricity that can be used for performing embodiment
Road or a combination thereof, such as firmware.
Server 104 and 106, memory element 108 and client 110,112 and 114 can use wired connection, wireless
Communication protocol or other suitable data cube computation are coupled to network 102.Client 110,112 and 114 can be such as individual's meter
Calculation machine or network computer.
In the example described, server 104 can provide data to client 110,112 and 114, such as guides literary composition
Part, operation system image and application.In this illustration, client 110,112 and 114 can be the client of server 104.
Client 110,112,114 or its certain combination can include the data of their own, guide file, operation system image and answer
With.Data processing circumstance 100 can include server, client and the unshowned miscellaneous equipment added.
In the example described, data processing circumstance 100 can be the Internet.Network 102 can represent use transmission control
Agreement/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) processed and other agreement are with the network communicated with one another and the set of gateway.The heart of the Internet is
The backbone of the data link between major node or master computer, including route data and thousands of commercialization of message,
Government, education and other computer system.Certainly, data processing circumstance 100 also can be implemented as multiple different types of network,
For example, such as Intranet, Local Area Network or wide area network (WAN).Fig. 1 is intended to as example, and not as different
The architecture of illustrative embodiment limits.
Except other purposes, data processing circumstance 100 may be additionally used for realizing wherein can realizing illustrative embodiment
Client-server environment.Client-server environment makes software application and data can be distributed on network so that
Apply and carry out function alternately between client data processing system and server data processing system by using.At data
Reason environment 100 can also use Services Oriented Achitecture, and the interoperable component software being wherein distributed on network is permissible
It is packed together as the service application integrated.
With reference to accompanying drawing 2, this diagram depicts the block diagram of the data handling system that wherein can realize illustrative embodiment.Data
Processing system 200 is the example of the computer of the server 104 in such as Fig. 1 or client 110, for illustrative embodiment,
The computer usable program code or the instruction that realize the process of illustrative embodiment can be located in this computer.
In the example described, data handling system 200 uses hub architecture, including north bridge and storage control
Hub (NB/MCH) 202 and south bridge and input/output (I/O) controller hub (SB/ICH) 204.Processing unit 206,
Main storage 208 and graphic process unit 210 are coupled to north bridge and storage control hub (NB/MCH) 202.Processing unit 206
One or more processor can be comprised, and one or more heterogeneous processor systems can be used to realize.Real at some
In Xian, graphic process unit 210 can be passed through Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and be coupled to NB/MCH.
In the example described, Local Area Network adapter 212 is coupled to south bridge and I/O controller hub (SB/
ICH) 204.Audio frequency adapter 216, keyboard and mouse adapter 220, modem 222, read only memory (ROM) 224, logical
It is coupled to south bridge and I/O controller by bus 238 with universal serial bus (USB) and other port 232 and PCI/PCIe equipment 234
Hub 204.Hard disk drive (HDD) 226 and CD-ROM230 is coupled to south bridge and I/O controller hub by bus 240
204.PCI/PCIe equipment can include such as Ethernet Adaptation Unit, insert card and the PC card for notebook.PCI makes
Use card bus control unit, and PCIe does not uses.ROM224 can be such as flash binary input/output system (BIOS).Firmly
Disk drive 226 and CD ROM230 can use such as Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) or Serial Advanced Technology adnexa
(SATA) interface.Super I/O(SIO) equipment 236 can be coupled to south bridge and I/O controller hub (SB/ICH) 204.
Operating system is on processing unit 206.It is each that operating system is coordinated in the data handling system 200 in Fig. 2
Plant assembly and control of which is provided.Operating system can be commercially available operating system, such as(Microsoft and Windows be Microsoft the U.S., other country or both
Trade mark), or(Linux is that Linus Torvalds is at the U.S., other country or both trade marks).Towards right
The programming system of elephant, such as Java program design system, can run with binding operation system, and provides from performing
Java in data handling system 200TMProgram or application operating system is called (Java and all trade marks based on Java and
Mark is Oracle and/or the trade mark of its branch or registered trade mark).
For operating system, object-oriented programming system, the process of illustrative embodiment and application or program
Programmed instruction be positioned in the storage device of such as hard disk drive 226, and the most such as main storage can be loaded into
208, read only memory 224 or the memorizer of one or more ancillary equipment, to be performed by processing unit 206.Programmed instruction is also
Can be stored persistently in nonvolatile storage, and loaded from nonvolatile storage or performed on the spot.
Such as, can be stored in nonvolatile storage according to the synthesis program of an embodiment, and fill from nonvolatile storage
Enter DRAM.
Hardware in Fig. 1-2 can change according to realization.Other internal hardware or ancillary equipment can be used (such as to dodge
Speed memorizer, equivalent nonvolatile storage or CD drive etc.) hardware additional that be used as in Fig. 12 being described or replace
Generation.It addition, the process of illustrative embodiment can be applied to multi-processor data process system.
In some illustrated examples, data handling system 200 can be PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), and one is well matched to be put
There is flash memory to provide a store for the nonvolatile storage of the data of operating system file and/or user's generation.Bus
System can include one or more bus, such as system bus, I/O bus and pci bus.Of course, it is possible to use any class
The communication structure of type or architecture realize bus system, described communication structure or architecture and are being attached to its different assemblies
Or data transmission is provided between equipment.
Communication unit can include the one or more equipment for sending and receive data, such as modem or net
Network adapter.Memorizer can be such as main storage 208 or cache, such as at north bridge and storage control hub
Cache present in 202.Processing unit can include one or more processor or CPU.
The example described in Fig. 1-2 and example described above have been not meant to imply architecture restriction.Such as, remove
Taking outside the form of PDA, data handling system 200 can also is that tablet PC, laptop computer or telephone plant.
With reference to Fig. 3, this diagram depicts frequency and the voltage control loop of example, can be for the frequency of this example and voltage
Control loop and realize illustrative embodiment.Microcontroller 302, voltage regulator 304 and digital circuit 306 can be in one
Assembly in individual data handling system (server 104 in such as Fig. 1), or multiple data handling system can be distributed in
On.
Microcontroller 302 includes the control loop of the voltage of the electric current output for adjusting voltage regulator 304.Voltage is adjusted
Joint device 304 is responsible for providing electric current with voltage that is stable and that select.Digital circuit 306 includes for adjusting digital circuit 306
The control loop of operation frequency.Control loop in digital circuit 306 includes CPM308 and DPLL310.CPM308 and DPLL310
Being configured in feedback circuit, this feedback circuit allows digital circuit 306 for given supply voltage, given being carrying out
Or the live load 312 of scheduling and given ambient condition 314(such as ambient temperature, highly, manufacturing variation or abrasion) come
Adjust its operation frequency.
Usually, the control loop in digital circuit 306 constantly arranges digital circuit 306 and can grasp under given state
The highest safety frequency made.This control loop usually changing with frequency in several nanoseconds of change of given state being detected
Become the change to given state to react.Without this control loop in digital circuit 306, when microcontroller 302
When changing voltage, the actual frequency of circuit will not be adjusted, and the change of supply voltage that microcontroller is made will cause number
Word circuit has timing failures.
Measured average behavior and the digital circuit 306 of digital circuit 306 are compared in the loop that controls in microcontroller 302
Expected performance.When frequency is more than a threshold value, this control loop reduces voltage, and when frequency drops below a threshold
Voltage is improved during value.
Control loop in microcontroller 302 receives actual frequency 316 from digital circuit 306.Actual frequency are numeral electricity
Road 306 given time can with its operate measured by frequency.Control loop in microcontroller 302 also receives target frequency
Rate 318.Target frequency 318 is it can be desirable to for the frequency operating digital circuit 306, be such as used for the frequency that " acceleration " promotes
Rate.
Control loop in microcontroller 302 includes logic 320, and it is for calculating the voltage output of voltage regulator 304
Adjustment.Voltage output is adjusted to actual frequency values and the institute depending on being dominant at that time by logic 320 instructed voltage actuator 304
The value of calculation of desired target frequency value.
As this figure is described, control FREQUENCY CONTROL by two and Control of Voltage controls digital circuit
The performance of 306.As explained above, the threshold value of frequency change and change in voltage is provided so that the electricity of voltage regulator 304
Stream output never exceeds overcurrent threshold value.
As described below, an embodiment have modified the configuration of this dual-control loop with the electricity by voltage regulator 304
Stream output is as Consideration.The modified configuration of one embodiment with the addition of the 3rd control loop, and it is used for adjusting numeral
The frequency range of circuit 306 make its exceed the upper lower threshold value of " acceleration " pattern arrive higher upper threshold value, less lower threshold value or
A combination thereof.Such as, an embodiment allows to be currently available that number with frequency more higher than the upper threshold frequency of prior art operation
Word circuit and identical voltage regulator, and the measurement result using the electric current of voltage regulator 304 to export is higher from this
Frequency is return.
With reference to Fig. 4, this diagram depicts according to an illustrative embodiment for using electric current output information to adjust frequency
Enhancing with voltage configures.Goods 402 420 correspond respectively to the goods 302-320 in Fig. 3, and are implemented.
Microcontroller 402 is modified to receive voltage regulator module (VRM) electric current of reality from voltage regulator 404
422.Microcontroller 402 also receives the value for overcurrent target current 424.
It may be noted that overcurrent target current 424 is " soft object " value, because can be according to the behaviour of digital circuit 406
Make state configuration or change overcurrent target current 424.In this respect, overcurrent target current 424 is different from when being provided with electricity
The most intrinsic over current value being set when pressing the threshold value with frequency.As it can be seen, can be independent of voltage or frequency
Any threshold value of rate arranges or provides overcurrent target current 424.
Microcontroller 402 also includes the logic 426 for adjusting maximum voltage threshold value value.In operation, reality is used
VRM current measurement result 422 and overcurrent target current 424, logic 426 calculates the institute's phase that should be supplied to digital circuit 406
Upper (maximum) threshold value of the voltage hoped.During the operation of digital circuit 406, the upper threshold value of desired voltage may be with
This mode is modified many times.
Such as, at given time, if logic 426 determines that actual VRM current measurement result 422 is more than overcurrent target electricity
Stream, then the upper threshold value of voltage can be set below the magnitude of voltage at voltage regulator 404 by logic 426.Logic 428 is from logic
420 and logic 426 in select the adjustment voltage of less (minimum), and instructed voltage actuator 404 correspondingly adjusts and is supplied to
The voltage of digital circuit 406.
On the contrary, if actual VRM current measurement result 422 is less than overcurrent target current 424, then logic 426 is permissible
Carry high-tension upper threshold value.Logic 428 then can select the upper threshold voltage of the raising from logic 426 and from logic 420
Adjusted voltage in relatively low, and correspondingly instructed voltage actuator 404.
Operating by this way, the enhancing to the dual-control loop configuration of prior art adds based on digital circuit 406
Current draw the 3rd control loop.As described above, logic 428 is relatively low by selecting in two voltage changes
Prevent overcurrent situations.Additionally, because the 3rd control loop depends on that the quick response frequency in digital circuit 406 controls back
Road, changes and consequential current spike so also avoid big electric current, thus avoids temporary overcurrent situations.
With reference to Fig. 5, this diagram depicts according to an illustrative embodiment for using electric current output information to adjust frequency
Another enhancing configuration with voltage.Goods 502 520 correspond respectively to the goods 402-420 in Fig. 4, and by real similarly
Existing.
Microcontroller 502 is modified to receive actual VRM current measurement result 522 from voltage regulator 504.Microcontroller
502 also receive the value for overcurrent target current 524.With in Fig. 4, overcurrent target current 524 is can be according to number
The mode of operation configuration of word circuit 506 or " soft object " value of change.
Microcontroller 502 also includes the logic 526 for adjusting peak frequency threshold value value.In operation, reality is used
VRM current measurement result 522 and overcurrent target current 524, it is desired that logic 526 calculates that digital circuit 506 should operate
Upper (maximum) threshold value of frequency.During the operation of digital circuit 506, the upper threshold value of desired frequency may be with this
Mode is modified many times.
Such as, at given time, if logic 526 determines that actual VRM current measurement result 522 is more than overcurrent target
Electric current, then the upper threshold value of frequency can be set below the actual frequency 516 measured by DPLL510 by logic 526.On the contrary,
If actual VRM current measurement result 522 is less than overcurrent target current 524, then logic 526 can carry high-frequency upper-level threshold
Value, to allow digital circuit to operate with higher frequency.
Logic 528 selects the adjusted peak frequency (upper threshold frequency of calculating) from logic 526 and target frequency
In 518 less (minimum).Logic 520 uses less the coming with in actual frequency 516 the two frequency values from logic 528
Determine the adjustment to the voltage being supplied to digital circuit 506.Logic 520 instructed voltage actuator 504 correspondingly adjusts and is supplied to
The voltage of digital circuit 506.
Operating by this way, the enhancing to the dual-control loop configuration of prior art adds based on digital circuit 506
Current draw the 3rd control loop another kind of modification.As described above, logic 528 is by selecting in two frequencies
Relatively low in threshold value value prevent overcurrent situations.Additionally, with in Fig. 4, because the 3rd controls this modification in loop also
Depend on that the quick response frequency in digital circuit 506 controls loop, change so also avoid big electric current and occur therewith
Current spike, thus avoid temporary overcurrent situations.
With reference to Fig. 6, this diagram depicts being improved by the Current draw using circuit according to an illustrative embodiment
The flow chart of the process of the performance of digital circuit.Process 600 to be implemented in modified microcontroller, in such as Fig. 4
Microcontroller 402.
Process 600 and start (step 602) to receive the measurement result of the electric current output of the voltage regulator of digital circuit.
Process 600 and determine whether electric current output exceedes overcurrent target current (step 604).
If electric current output has exceeded overcurrent target current (the "Yes" path of step 604), then process 600 calculating numerals
The maximum of circuit (on) reduction (step 606) of voltage threshold.Process 600 target frequency based on digital circuit and ongoing frequency
Difference calculate Voltage Cortrol (step 608).
Process 600 adjusts with the smaller in the Voltage Cortrol of the maximum voltage threshold value reduced and step 608 and is supplied to
The voltage (step 610) of digital circuit.Process 600 then can terminate, or may return to step 602 to carry out another repeatedly
Generation.
If electric current output is less than overcurrent target current (the "No" path of step 604), then process 600 calculating numbers
The maximum of word circuit (on) increase (step 612) of voltage threshold.Process 600 target frequencies based on digital circuit and current frequency
The difference of rate calculates Voltage Cortrol (step 614).
Process 600 adjusts with the smaller in the Voltage Cortrol of the maximum voltage threshold value increased and step 614 and is supplied to
The voltage (step 616) of digital circuit.Process 600 then can terminate, or may return to step 602 to carry out another repeatedly
Generation.
With reference to Fig. 7, this diagram depicts being improved by the Current draw using circuit according to an illustrative embodiment
Another flow chart processed of the performance of digital circuit.Process 700 to be implemented in modified microcontroller, such as scheme
Microcontroller 502 in 5.
Process 700 and start (step 702) to receive the measurement result of the electric current output of the voltage regulator of digital circuit.Place
Reason 700 determines whether the output of this electric current exceedes overcurrent target current (step 704).
If electric current output exceedes overcurrent target current (the "Yes" path of step 704), then process 700 calculating numeral electricity
The maximum on road (on) reduction (step 706) of frequency threshold.Process peak frequency and the target of the reduction of 700 selection digital circuits
Smaller's (step 708) in frequency.
The practical operation frequency of the selection and digital circuit that process 700 use steps 708 adjusts and is supplied to digital circuit
Voltage (step 710).Its post processing 700 can terminate, or may return to step 702 to carry out another iteration.
If electric current output is less than overcurrent target current (the "No" path of step 704), then process 700 calculating numerals
The maximum of circuit (on) increase (step 712) of frequency threshold.Process peak frequency and the mesh of the increase of 700 selection digital circuits
Smaller's (step 714) in mark frequency.
The practical operation frequency of the selection and digital circuit that process 700 use steps 714 adjusts and is supplied to digital circuit
Voltage (step 716).Its post processing 700 can terminate, or may return to step 702 to carry out another iteration.
Flow chart and block diagram in accompanying drawing show system according to various embodiments of the present invention, method and computer
The architecture of the realization that program product is possible, function and operation.In this respect, each frame in flow chart or block diagram can be with table
Show that the module of code, fragment or part, described code include for realizing (one or more) specific logic function
Or multiple executable instruction.It should be noted that, in some realization selected else, in frame, the function of mark can not be to be marked in scheming
The order of note occurs.Such as, two frames illustrated continuously in fact can substantially simultaneously perform, or depends on involved
Function, these frames can perform sometimes in the opposite order.Shall also be noted that block diagram and/or each frame of flow chart explanation, with
And the combination of the frame in block diagram and/or flow chart explanation can be by performing specific function or the hardware based special system of action
Unite or realized by the combination of specialized hardware and computer instruction.
Therefore, provide in an illustrative embodiment a kind of for by use Current draw information as digital circuit
Operation voltage and frequency and respective threshold thereof the additional performance improving digital circuit with computer implemented method, system
And computer program.Use embodiments of the invention, the current related information drawn with digital circuit and operation frequency
Combine to adjust voltage, frequency or both upper threshold values.Such as, although Figure 4 and 5 depict the based on electric current the 3rd and control loop
Two modification, but realization can be combined said two modification and create Current draw and voltage threshold and frequency threshold
Value is both as the 3rd control loop of Consideration.
Being different from prior art, overcurrent target current can be arranged to soft object, and can changing according to digital circuit
Become mode of operation and change.In one embodiment, adjust feedback circuit by the frequency relying on snap action, even for
(soft) overcurrent target current, is prevented from overcurrent condition flexibly.
Person of ordinary skill in the field knows, various aspects of the invention can be implemented as system, method or calculating
Machine program product.Therefore, various aspects of the invention can be to be implemented as following form, it may be assumed that completely hardware embodiment,
The embodiment party that Software Implementation (including firmware, resident software, microcode etc.), or hardware and software aspect completely combines
Formula, may be collectively referred to as " circuit ", " module " or " system " here.Additionally, in certain embodiments, various aspects of the invention are also
Can be implemented as computer program in one or more computer readable storage devices or computer-readable medium
Form, comprises computer-readable program code in this computer readable storage devices or computer-readable medium.
Any combination of one or more computer readable storage devices or computer-readable medium can be used.Computer
Computer-readable recording medium can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable recording medium.Computer readable storage devices example
As the system of electricity, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared ray or quasiconductor, device or device can be but not limited to, or appoint
How the combination gone up.The more specifically example (non exhaustive list) of computer readable storage devices includes: have one or many
The electrical connection of individual wire, portable computer diskette, hard disk, random-access memory (ram), read only memory (ROM), erasable type
Programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), light storage device,
Magnetic memory device or above-mentioned any suitable combination.In this document, computer readable storage devices can be any bag
Containing or the storage tangible device of program or medium, this program can be commanded execution system, device or device use or with
It is used in combination.
It is embodied in the program code on computer readable storage devices or computer-readable medium and can use any suitable
When medium transmit, described medium includes but not limited to wireless, wired, optical cable, RF etc., or above-mentioned any suitable group
Close.
The calculating for performing present invention operation can be write with any combination of one or more programming languages
Machine program code, described programming language includes object oriented program language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++
Deng, also include process type programming language such as " C " language or similar programming language of routine.Program code can
To perform the most on the user computer, to perform the most on the user computer, to perform as independent software kit,
Part part on the user computer performs on the remote computer or performs on remote computer or server completely.
In the situation relating to remote computer, remote computer can include Local Area Network by any kind of network
Or wide area network (WAN) is connected to subscriber computer, or, it may be connected to outer computer (such as utilizes Internet service
Provider passes through Internet connection).
Referring herein to method according to embodiments of the present invention, device (system) and computer program flow chart and/
Or block diagram describes the present invention.Should be appreciated that each frame in flow chart and/or each frame of block diagram and flow chart and/or block diagram
Combination, can be realized by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions can be supplied to one or more general
One or more processors of computer, special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing means, thus produce a kind of machine
Device so that these computer program instructions are in the one or more process by computer or other programmable data processing means
When device performs, create the device of the function/action of regulation in the one or more square frames in flowchart and/or block diagram.
These computer program instructions can also be stored in one or more computer readable storage devices or computer can
Reading in medium, these computer program instructions can guide one or more computer, other programmable data one or more
Processing means or one or more miscellaneous equipment function in a specific way so that be stored in the one or more meter
Instruction in calculation machine readable storage device or computer-readable medium produces and realizes at flow chart and/or the one of block diagram a kind of including
The goods (article of manufacturer) of the instruction of the function/action specified in individual frame or multiple frame.
Computer program instructions can also be loaded at one or more computer, other programmable data one or more
Reason device or one or more miscellaneous equipment so that sequence of operations step one or more computers, one or many
Perform to produce computer implemented process in other programmable data processing means individual or one or more miscellaneous equipment,
Thus set at one or more computers, other programmable data processing meanss one or more or one or more other
The instruction of standby upper execution provides for realizing the function/action specified in flow chart and/or a frame of block diagram or multiple frame
Process.
Term used herein is only in order at the purpose describing specific embodiment, and is not intended to the restriction of the present invention.
As used in this article, " ", " " (" a ", " an ") and " being somebody's turn to do " (" the ") of singulative is intended to also include plural number shape
Formula, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.It is also understood that when using in this manual, term " includes " representing to be said
The existence of bright feature, entirety, step, operation, element and/or assembly, but it is not excluded for one or more further feature, whole
Body, step, operation, element, assembly and/or the existence of its group or additional.
All devices in claim or step add corresponding structure, material, action and the equivalent of functional element
It is intended to include performing any structure of function, material or dynamic with other element advocated clearly advocated for combining
Make.Give description of the invention the most for the purpose of illustration and description, but be not intended to exhaustive or limit the invention to
Disclosed form.Many without departing from the scope of the present invention is revised and modification is obvious for those of ordinary skill in the art.
Select and describe these embodiments to explain the principle of the present invention and actual application best, and making other of this area general
Lead to the various embodiments that skilled artisan will appreciate that the present invention for the various amendments with the specific use being suitable for conception.
Claims (16)
1., for the method improving the performance of digital circuit, the method includes:
Using the actual frequency that loop adjusts the operation of described digital circuit that control in digital circuit, adjustment actual frequency are right
The response of the change of the mode of operation of described digital circuit, wherein said control loop includes critical path monitor and digital phase-locking
Xiang Huan, wherein said mode of operation includes the supply voltage to described digital circuit, the work using described digital circuit to perform
Load and operate the combination of the ambient condition of described digital circuit, and wherein said control loop is detecting described behaviour
In the nanosecond order of the change making state, the change to described mode of operation is reacted；
The measurement result of the electric current that described digital circuit is drawn is received from the voltage regulator providing electric power to described digital circuit；
Receive overcurrent target current value；With
Adjust and export from described voltage regulator to the voltage of described digital circuit, so that the electric current that described digital circuit is drawn
Less than described overcurrent target current value.
2. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein reduces institute in response to described adjustment
State voltage output so that the electric current that described digital circuit is drawn reduces.
3. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 1, also includes:
Adjust the upper threshold value of described voltage output to form the upper voltage threshold adjusted；
The target frequency using the actual frequency of the operation of described digital circuit and the operation of described digital circuit calculates described
The adjustment of voltage output, to form the voltage output adjusted；
The smaller in the upper voltage threshold of described adjustment and the voltage output of described adjustment is selected to adjust to form the voltage selected
Whole；With
The Voltage Cortrol using described selection performs adjustment at described voltage regulator.
4. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 3, wherein in response to the described electric current drawn
Exceeding described overcurrent target current value, the upper threshold value adjusting voltage output includes reducing the upper threshold value of voltage output.
5. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 3, wherein in response to described overcurrent target
Current value exceed described in the electric current that draws, the upper threshold value adjusting voltage output includes improving the upper threshold value of voltage output.
6. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 3, wherein in response to described overcurrent target
Current value exceed described in the electric current that draws, the upper threshold value of the operation frequency adjusting described digital circuit includes improving described numeral electricity
The upper threshold value of the operation frequency on road.
7. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 1, also includes:
Adjust the upper threshold value of operation frequency of described digital circuit to form the upper threshold frequency adjusted；
Select the smaller in the target frequency of the upper threshold frequency of described adjustment and the operation of described digital circuit, to form choosing
The frequency selected adjusts；
The actual frequency of the operation of described digital circuit and the frequency of described selection is used to adjust to calculate and described voltage is exported
Adjustment, with formed adjust voltage output；
The smaller in the upper voltage threshold of described adjustment and the voltage output of described adjustment is selected to adjust to form the voltage selected
Whole；With
The Voltage Cortrol using described selection performs adjustment at described voltage regulator.
8. the method for the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 7, wherein in response to the described electric current drawn
Exceeding described overcurrent target current value, the upper threshold value of the operation frequency adjusting described digital circuit includes reducing described numeral electricity
The upper threshold value of the operation frequency on road.
9., for improving an equipment for the performance of digital circuit, described equipment includes:
Use and control the module of actual frequency that loop adjusts the operation of described digital circuit in described digital circuit, adjust real
Border frequency is the response of the change of the mode of operation to described digital circuit, and wherein said control loop includes that critical path monitors
Device and digital phase-locked loop, wherein said mode of operation includes the supply voltage to described digital circuit, to use described numeral electricity
Live load that road performs and operate the combination of ambient condition of described digital circuit, and wherein said control loop is in inspection
In the nanosecond order of the change measuring described mode of operation, the change to described mode of operation is reacted；
For receiving the measurement of the electric current that described digital circuit is drawn from the voltage regulator providing electric power to described digital circuit
The module of result；
For receiving the module of overcurrent target current value；With
Export from described voltage regulator to the voltage of described digital circuit for adjusting, so that what described digital circuit was drawn
Electric current is less than the module of described overcurrent target current value.
10. the equipment of the performance for improving digital circuit as claimed in claim 9, wherein reduces institute in response to described adjustment
State voltage output so that the electric current that described digital circuit is drawn reduces.
11., as claimed in claim 9 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, also include:
For adjusting the upper threshold value of described voltage output to form the module of the upper voltage threshold adjusted；
It is right that target frequency for the operation of the actual frequency and described digital circuit that use the operation of described digital circuit calculates
The adjustment of described voltage output, to form the module of the voltage output adjusted；
Smaller in the voltage output of the upper voltage threshold and described adjustment that select described adjustment is to form the electricity selected
The module that pressure adjusts；With
The module adjusted for using the Voltage Cortrol of described selection to perform at described voltage regulator.
12. as claimed in claim 11 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, wherein in response to the described electricity drawn
Stream exceedes described overcurrent target current value, and the upper threshold value adjusting voltage output includes reducing the upper threshold value of voltage output.
13. as claimed in claim 11 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, wherein in response to described overcurrent mesh
Mark current value exceed described in the electric current that draws, the upper threshold value adjusting voltage output includes improving the upper threshold value of voltage output.
14. as claimed in claim 11 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, wherein in response to described overcurrent mesh
Mark current value exceed described in the electric current that draws, the upper threshold value of the operation frequency adjusting described digital circuit includes improving described numeral
The upper threshold value of the operation frequency of circuit.
15., as claimed in claim 9 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, also include:
For adjusting the upper threshold value of the operation frequency of described digital circuit to form the module of the upper threshold frequency adjusted；
Smaller in the target frequency of the operation of the upper threshold frequency and described digital circuit that select described adjustment, with shape
Become the module that the frequency selected adjusts；
The frequency of actual frequency and described selection for using the operation of described digital circuit adjusts and calculates described voltage
The adjustment of output, to form the module of the voltage output adjusted；
Smaller in the voltage output of the upper voltage threshold and described adjustment that select described adjustment is to form the electricity selected
The module that pressure adjusts；With
The module adjusted for using the Voltage Cortrol of described selection to perform at described voltage regulator.
16. as claimed in claim 15 for improving the equipment of the performance of digital circuit, wherein in response to the described electricity drawn
Stream exceedes described overcurrent target current value, and the upper threshold value of the operation frequency adjusting described digital circuit includes reducing described numeral
The upper threshold value of the operation frequency of circuit.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/195,684 US20130033306A1 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2011-08-01 | Performance of digital circuits using current management |
| US13/195,684 | 2011-08-01 | ||
| PCT/IB2012/052396 WO2013017963A1 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2012-05-14 | Improving performance of digital circuits using current management |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN103718461A CN103718461A (en) | 2014-04-09 |
| CN103718461B true CN103718461B (en) | 2016-11-30 |
Family
ID=
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6601179B1 (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2003-07-29 | Intel Corporation | Circuit and method for controlling power and performance based on operating environment |
| CN101999105A (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2011-03-30 | 惠普开发有限公司 | Voltage regulator |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6601179B1 (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2003-07-29 | Intel Corporation | Circuit and method for controlling power and performance based on operating environment |
| CN101999105A (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2011-03-30 | 惠普开发有限公司 | Voltage regulator |
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