Patent ID: 7878016
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A device comprising: a processor having a hotspot during operation, the hotspot being a localized region having a higher temperature than regions of the processor adjoining the hotspot; a p-n junction within the hotspot, a junction voltage of the p-n junction to change as a function of the temperature of the hotspot of the processor; a comparator to compare a voltage from the p-n junction with a voltage representing a first threshold temperature value; an analog-to-digital converter to convert the voltage from the p-n junction into a measured temperature reading; a logic circuit to monitor the measured temperature reading to determine occurrence of particular thermal events to direct the processor to modify processor-operation when a thermal event occurs; and a semiconductor die comprising the processor, the p-n junction, the comparator, the analog-to-digital converter, and the logic circuit.