KR20140054772A - Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal includes a first core and a second core which perform a process and a control unit which controls the first and second cores to perform the process which is not performed in the first core by turning on the second core which is turned off if the first core performs the process and a preset temperature is reached. Wherein, either the first core or the second core is turned on and the other is turned off.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a heat generation improvement mechanism and a control method thereof.

A mobile terminal is a portable electronic device that is portable and has one or more functions of voice and video call function, information input / output function, and data storage function. As the function of the mobile terminal becomes diversified, it is implemented as a multimedia player having various functions such as memo creation, E-mail reception / dispatch, and schedule management.

Various electronic components such as a communication module, a display, and a processing device are integrated and installed in a mobile terminal in order to perform various functions as a multimedia device. It is very important to control the dissipation current and heat generation of these electronic components.

There are various causes of heat generation in mobile terminals, but the processing devices are one of the main causes of heat generation. Also, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mobile terminals to which multicore is applied in order to improve performance. Therefore, improving the heat generation of the processing apparatus is considered to be the most important factor in the heat generation problem of the mobile terminal.

Recent processing apparatuses equipped with multi-cores have found that a given process can be performed in a single core, considering the fact that P = V ² f (where P is power, V is voltage and f is frequency) Rather than generating high power and heat at high voltages and frequencies, it can be used to spread power and heat across multiple cores operating at low power and frequency, thereby reducing power and heat without compromising performance.

However, this process distribution technique has limitations only when a given process can be divided into an equal process. That is, if a given process is a process that can not be distributed in small units, the process must be performed in one core.

However, even if a multi-core system is adopted, the effect of improving the heat generation due to the process dispersion can not be obtained. Limited.

The present invention is intended to propose a mobile terminal having a mechanism capable of improving the heat generation of the core regardless of the characteristics of the process.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above-mentioned problem is a mobile terminal which is formed to process a process and in which one is placed in an on state and the other in an off state A method for processing an unprocessed process in a first core by turning on a first core and a second core and turning off the second core that was in the off state when the first core processes the process and reaches a predetermined temperature, And a control unit for controlling the first and second cores.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to turn off the first core when the second core is turned on.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes a heat sensing sensor provided in each of the first and second cores and configured to measure the temperature.

According to one related example, the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the first and second cores through a bus, and continuously measures the temperatures of the first and second cores measured from the heat sensing sensor And a memory unit configured to receive and store the updated data.

The bus may include a first bus line connecting the first core and the memory unit and a second bus line connecting the second core and the memory unit, The second bus line may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the memory portion so that each of the first and second cores has an equal access time to the memory portion.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal includes a power management module (PMIC) for comparing the measured temperature with the reference value and controlling the power supply to the first and second cores Integrated Circuit).

At this time, the PMIC may be configured to supply a quiescent current to the first or second core in an off state so that the PMIC can be switched from the off state to the quick on state.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes a heat shield disposed between the first core and the second core and configured to block heat transfer.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: a plurality of cores formed to process a process; an auxiliary core configured to be placed in an off state when the plurality of cores processes a process in an on- And a control unit for controlling the plurality of cores to process the process and turn on the auxiliary core which is in an off state when at least one core reaches a predetermined temperature to process an unprocessed process in the at least one core The mobile terminal is started.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to turn off the at least one core when the auxiliary core is turned on.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary core is formed to support the corresponding cores by the number of the plurality of cores.

Wherein when the at least one core reaches a predetermined temperature, the auxiliary cores are all turned on to process an unprocessed process in the corresponding plurality of cores, wherein the plurality of cores are all in an off state .

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes a heat shield disposed between the plurality of cores and the auxiliary core, the heat shield being configured to block heat transfer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including: measuring a temperature of a first core that processes a process in an on state; Turning the second core in an off state to an on state, controlling the second core such that the second core performs an unprocessed process in the first core, And turning the first core to an off state so that the heat of the first core can be dissipated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the mobile terminal may include switching the first core or the third core to the on state when the second core reaches the predetermined temperature, To process the processed process.

According to the present invention, any one core receives an unprocessed process before a heat is generated in one of the cores, and one of the cores is turned off to cool the heat , Heat generation of the processing apparatus can be restricted without deteriorating the performance. In addition, such a mechanism can be particularly useful when a given process has characteristics that can not be distributed.

Further, since the auxiliary core is provided by the number of at least one or a plurality of cores, even if all of the plurality of cores perform a process, it can be configured to process the unprocessed process of the core that reaches a certain temperature to limit the heat generation.

Further, the heat can be structurally improved through the first and second cores provided adjacent to the respective corners of the heat shield wall and the processing apparatus provided between the first and second cores, and the first and second buses The lines are formed symmetrically with respect to the memory portion so that each core has an equal access time to the memory portion so that the process can be smoothly shifted.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a flow chart showing an example of a mechanism for improving the heat generation of the processing apparatus shown in Fig.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of shifting the process by the heat generation improvement mechanism of FIG. 2;
4 is a conceptual view showing an example of a structure for improving heat generation in the processing apparatus shown in Fig.
5 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of a structure for improving heat generation in the processing apparatus of FIG.
6 is a flow chart showing another example of the heat generation improvement mechanism of the processing apparatus shown in Fig.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual view showing a process of shifting the process by the heat improvement mechanism of FIG. 6;

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal having a heat generation improvement mechanism according to the present invention and a control method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to different embodiments in the same or similar configurations. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The mobile terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), an e-book, Navigation and the like may be included. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

1, a mobile terminal 100 includes a processing unit 110, a control unit 120, a memory unit 130, and a PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) 140.

The processing unit 110 is configured to process the process and may be referred to as a processor. The processing unit 110 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that decodes commands issued to the mobile terminal 100 and executes arithmetic logic operations and data processing, a graphics processing unit (GPU) .

The processing apparatus 110 includes a core 111 as a main processing circuit, and the core 111 is provided with a plurality of cores 111 so as to improve performance by simultaneously processing a large number of jobs. In this figure, four cores 111 are provided in the processing unit 110 to form a quad core processor.

The process may be configured to process some processes in which each core 111 is dispersed to a plurality of cores 111, or one of the cores 111 may be configured to perform all of the processes. In the latter case, when one of the cores 111 is in the ON state, the other cores 111 are made to be in an OFF state.

The ON state means a state in which the core 111 is activated to enable processing of the process. On the other hand, the OFF state is an inactive state in which the core 111 does not process a process, and is a standby state in which a minimum current for driving the core 111, that is, a quiescent current, Off " state.

Each core 111 is provided with a heat sensing sensor 112 to measure the temperature of the core 111. The temperature sensor 112 is configured to continuously transmit the measured temperature of the core 111 to the memory unit 130 and the temperature of each core 111 is updated and stored in the memory unit 130.

The control unit 120 is configured to control overall operations related to the processing apparatus 110, and can be implemented in software. The control unit 120 switches the other core 111 that was in the off state to the on state when any one of the cores 111 processes the process and reaches a predetermined temperature, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 111 < / RTI >

The memory unit 130 is formed to store and store information and is connected to a plurality of cores 111 through a bus 150 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), respectively, so that information can be retrieved and used at a necessary point in time . In the memory unit 130, the temperature of the core 111 measured from the thermal sensor 112 is continuously updated and stored.

The PMIC 140 is configured to control the power supply to the processing apparatus 110. [ Specifically, the temperature of the core 111 measured through the thermal sensor 112 is compared with a reference value, and the power supply to the core 111 is controlled using the comparison result. The PMIC 140 may be configured to supply power to the core 111 that is in the on state to a level capable of processing the process or to supply the positive operating current to the core 111 that is in the off state, .

Hereinafter, the heat generation improvement mechanism in which the heat generation of the processing apparatus 110 is limited through the above-described configuration will be described in more detail.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a heat generation improvement mechanism of the processing apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of a heat transfer improvement mechanism of FIG.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the processing apparatus 110 is provided with first to fourth cores, in which each core distributes and processes the processes, or one of the cores processes the processes.

For example, the first core may perform the process in an on state (S10), and all of the second to fourth cores may be placed in the off state. The PMIC 140 may be designed to supply the normal operation current to the second to fourth cores or to completely shut off the power application. When the second to fourth cores are supplied with the normal operation current, the second to fourth cores are supplied with only the minimum current required for driving the cores and are placed in the standby state. Thus, the second to fourth cores can be quickly switched from an off state to an on state if necessary.

The temperature sensor 112 provided in each of the first to fourth cores continuously measures the temperature of the corresponding core, and the measured temperature is continuously updated and stored in the memory unit 130.

As the first core processes the process, it consumes power, and the temperature of the first core gradually rises. When the temperature of the first core reaches the preset temperature, the process is shifted (S20). The predetermined temperature means a temperature that can affect the operation of the core or a certain level that can prevent the core in advance.

Specifically, when the temperature of the first core reaches a preset temperature, the controller 120 turns the second core that is in the off state to the ON state (S30), and the second core is turned on in the non- (S40). At this time, the PMIC 140 is made to supply power to the second core that is higher than a level capable of processing an unprocessed process. Also, the first core may be designed to transfer the unprocessed process directly to the second core, or the first core may store the unprocessed process in the memory unit 130 and the second core may store the unprocessed process stored in the memory unit 130 And processes it.

Thereafter, the control unit 120 may be configured to switch the first core to the off state when the second core is turned on (S50). As a result, the power consumption of the first core decreases and the heat of the first core can be dissipated.

3, when the second core is heated above a predetermined temperature, the third core is turned on and performs an unprocessed process in the second core, and the second core is turned off, As shown in FIG. At this time, if the heat of the first core is sufficiently cooled, it is also possible that the first core is again switched on and is programmed to perform an unprocessed process in the second core.

As described above, the case where any one of the cores 111 performs a dedicated process is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can be understood that the mechanism is for transferring the unprocessed process of the core 111, which has a high heat generation, to the other core 111, which is less heat-generating, even when each core 111 processes the process dispersedly . In addition, the mechanism includes a case where two or more cores 111 for processing a process are provided, and an unprocessed process is simultaneously or separately transferred to two or more cores 111 corresponding to the start of heat generation .

According to the present invention, by allowing the core 111 to perform work while cooling the heat of the core 111 while keeping the number of the cores 111 in an ON state for performing the process, The phenomenon that heat is concentrated intensely on the core 111 can be prevented.

Hereinafter, in addition to improving the heat generated in the processing apparatus 110 through the control of the core 111, examples that can be structurally improved will be described in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a structure for improving heat generation in the processing apparatus 110 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, since a plurality of cores 111 are disposed adjacent to each other, heat generated in one of the cores 111 can affect other cores 111 adjacent to each other. That is, even if the other core 111 is in the off state, the temperature can be raised by the heat conduction from any one of the cores 111 that are performing the process in the on state.

In order to prevent the temperature of the adjacent core 111 from rising due to the heat conduction, a heat barrier 113 may be installed between the core 111 and the core 111 to prevent heat transfer. The heat barrier wall 113 may be formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity (for example, stainless steel, ceramic, or the like).

In this figure, a cross (+) shaped heat end wall 113 is arranged between the first to fourth cores to prevent heat transmission between the cores.

5 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the structure for improving heat generation in the processing apparatus 110 of FIG.

As described above, in the structure in which the plurality of cores 111 are physically concentratedly disposed, the problem of the temperature rise of the adjacent core 111 due to the heat conduction from the heated core 111 as well as the heat dissipation is hindered There is a problem that rapid cooling of the heated core 111 is difficult.

In order to solve this structurally, as shown in Fig. 5, the first to fourth cores may be disposed adjacent to the respective corners 110a of the processing apparatus 110. According to this, since the first to fourth cores are physically spaced apart from each other, the extent to which heat generated in the heat-generating core 111 affects the off-state core 111 can be reduced, ) Itself can be cooled faster.

In this case, the bus 150 connecting the core 111 and the memory unit 130 can be redesigned. The bus 150 includes a first bus line 151 for connecting the first core and the memory unit 130 and a second bus line 152 for connecting the second core and the memory unit 130. [ ). The first and second bus lines 151 and 152 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the memory unit 130 so that each of the first and second cores can have an equal access time to the memory unit 130 . To this end, the memory unit 130 may be disposed between the first and second cores.

In this figure, the first core and the second core, and the third core and the fourth core are arranged symmetrically with respect to the memory unit 130, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing another example of the heat generation improvement mechanism of the processing apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of shifting the process by the heat generation improvement mechanism of FIG.

6 and 7, in addition to a plurality of cores (first to fourth cores) formed to mainly process the process, the processing apparatus 110 includes at least one or more auxiliary cores that assist the first to fourth cores Respectively. In this figure, an auxiliary core is provided with a plurality of cores (a to d auxiliary cores) to support an associated core, and an octa core processor is illustrated.

The first to fourth cores can perform a process in an ON state (S10 '). At this time, the a to d auxiliary cores may be put in the off state, and the PMIC 140 may be designed to supply the normal operation current to the a to d auxiliary cores or completely shut off the power application.

The temperature sensor 112 provided in each of the first to fourth cores continuously measures the temperature of the corresponding core, and the measured temperature is continuously updated and stored in the memory unit 130. a to d auxiliary cores can be designed in this way.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the second one of the first through fourth cores processes the process, power is consumed, and the temperature of the second core gradually increases. When the temperature of the second core reaches the predetermined temperature, the process is shifted (S20 ').

Specifically, when the temperature of the second core reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller 120 turns the b-auxiliary core that is in the off state to the ON state (S30 '), and the b-auxiliary core is untreated Process (S40 '). Alternatively, when the second core generates heat at a predetermined temperature or more, the controller 120 turns all of the a to d auxiliary cores in the off state to the on state, so that the first to fourth It can also be controlled to perform an unprocessed process in the core.

Thereafter, the control unit 120 may be configured to switch the second core or the first to fourth cores to the off state when the auxiliary core is turned on (S50 '). As a result, the power consumption of the second core heated, or the remaining first, third, and fourth cores, in which heat generation may occur, may be reduced and the heat dissipated.

According to the present invention, an auxiliary core for cooling the first to fourth cores is provided so that the auxiliary core performs an unprocessed process, so that all of the first to fourth cores perform the process, Even if the process can not be transferred, the heat problem can be effectively solved.

Further, between the first to fourth cores and the a to d auxiliary cores, a heat end wall 113 'may be provided to prevent heat transfer therebetween. It goes without saying that a train end wall may be provided between the first to fourth cores, and between the a to d auxiliary cores.

The mobile terminal described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or a part of the embodiments so that various modifications may be made.

Claims (15)

A first core and a second core formed to process a process, the first core being configured to be in an on state and the other to be in an off state; And
And controlling the first and second cores to process the unprocessed process in the first core by turning the second core that was in an off state to an on state when the first core processes the process and reaches a predetermined temperature And a controller for controlling the mobile terminal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the controller is configured to switch the first core to an off state when the second core is switched on. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a heat sensing sensor provided in each of the first and second cores and configured to measure a temperature. The method of claim 3,
And a memory unit electrically connected to the first and second cores through a bus and configured to continuously receive the temperatures of the first and second cores measured from the heat sensing sensor, The mobile terminal comprising: 5. The method of claim 4,
The bus includes a first bus line connecting the first core and the memory unit and a second bus line connecting the second core and the memory unit,
Wherein the first and second bus lines are arranged symmetrically with respect to the memory unit so that each of the first and second cores has an equal access time to the memory unit. The method of claim 3,
And a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) configured to compare the measured temperature with the reference value and to control power supply to the first and second cores using the comparison result Mobile terminal. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the PMIC is configured to supply a quiescent current to the first or second core in an off state so that the PMIC can be switched from an off state to a quick on state. The method according to claim 1,
And a heat shield disposed between the first core and the second core to prevent heat transfer. A plurality of cores formed to process a process;
An auxiliary core configured to be in an off state when the plurality of cores are in the on-state and process the process; And
And a control unit for controlling the plurality of cores to process the unprocessed process in the at least one core by switching the auxiliary core in an off state when at least one core reaches a predetermined temperature while processing the process The mobile terminal comprising: 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the controller is configured to switch the at least one core to an off state when the auxiliary core is turned on. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the auxiliary core is formed to support the corresponding cores by the number of the plurality of cores. 12. The method of claim 11,
When the at least one core reaches a predetermined temperature,
The auxiliary cores are all switched to the ON state to process an unprocessed process in the corresponding plurality of cores,
And the plurality of cores are all switched to the off state. 10. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a heat shield disposed between the plurality of cores and the auxiliary core and configured to block heat transfer. Measuring a temperature of a first core that processes a process in an on state;
When the measured temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, turning on a second core that is in an off state;
Controlling the second core such that the second core performs an unprocessed process in the first core; And
And switching the first core to an off state so that the first core can be cooled. 15. The method of claim 14,
And controlling the first core or the third core to be turned on in the off state to process the unprocessed process in the second core when the second core reaches the predetermined temperature. To the mobile terminal.

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