Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN101622588B/en
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 03:00:02+00:00

Document:
本发明的一些实施例包括用于基于空闲的功能块来动态地减小所请求的供电电压的系统、装置和方法。 Some embodiments of the present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for the supply voltage based on the free functional blocks dynamically reducing requested.
 本发明的一些实施例总体上涉及电源管理(power management)技术。  relates to power management (power management) technologies generally some embodiments of the present invention. 具体地,一些实施例涉及通过动态供电电压(supply voltage)减少来进行电源管理。 In particular, some embodiments are directed by dynamic supply voltage (supply voltage) to decrease the power management.
 随着向具有更多晶体管和更高频率的高级处理器发展的趋势持续增长，计算机设计者和制造者经常面对功耗的相应增加。  continued to grow with the development of advanced processors with more transistors and higher frequency trend, computer designers and manufacturers are often faced with a corresponding increase in power consumption. 在没有电源管理的情况下，诸如具有多个核心的处理器这样的集成电路(IC)可能消耗过度的电力。 Such an integrated circuit (IC) processors in case where no power management, such as a plurality of cores may consume excessive power. 因此，期望有新的电源管理方式。 Therefore, we expect to have new power management.
 图8是根据本发明一些实施例的具有多个供电电压域的多核处理器的图。  FIG. 8 is a diagram of some of the multi-core processor having a plurality of power supply voltage domain embodiment of the present invention.
 根据一些实施例，当识别出IC中的不活动状态时，因为在VRM电力输送网(powerdelivery network)(负载线)上将会有更少的电压降落,所以可以动态地减小所请求的从电压调节器模块(VRM)到集成电路设备(例如，处理器)的供电电压。  According to some embodiments, when the identified inactive state in an IC, as will be less voltage drop in the power transmission network VRM (powerdelivery network) (line load), it is possible to reduce the dynamic request from a voltage regulator module (VRM) to the integrated circuit device (e.g., processor) of the supply voltage. 即，当需要来自VRM的较小的供电电流时，因为这导致在VRM的负载线上更小的电压降，所以可以通过来自VRM的更小的电压向芯片提供相同或更高的供电电压。 That is, when a small supply current required from the VRM, because this leads to a smaller voltage drop at the load line of the VRM, it may provide the same or higher voltage supply through a smaller voltage from the VRM to the chip. 这是很有益的，例如，因为更低的电压通常导致更低的功耗和提高的可靠性。 This is advantageous, e.g., because of a lower voltage generally leads to lower power consumption and improved reliability. 在示例性应用中，当具有多个核心的处理器识别出其一个或更多核心空闲时，因为将从VRM引出更小的电流，所以该处理器可以从其VRM请求减小的供电电压。 In an exemplary application, when a plurality of processor cores identified with one or more core idle because VRM drawn from the smaller current, the processor may request from a reduced supply voltage VRM.
 图1概括地示出耦合到VRM 104的IC设备102，其从VRM 104接收响应于所请求的调节器电压Vk的供电电压V。  FIG. 1 generally illustrates the IC device 102 is coupled to VRM 104 and VRM 104 that receives the response from the voltage regulator to supply the requested voltage Vk V. 。 . 调节器电压Vk的值由电压选择逻辑(VSL) 108确定，并通过控制信号(VkCNTL)被传输给VRM104。 The regulator voltage values ​​Vk (VSL) 108 determined by the voltage selection logic, and is transmitted to the control signal VRM104 (VkCNTL). IC 102可以是任何IC设备，其实现了例如片上系统(SOC)、处理器、ASIC、网络组件、控制器等。 IC IC 102 may be any device, which achieves, for example, a system on chip (the SOC), a processor, ASIC, network components, and other controllers. IC 102具有一个或更多功能块，例如核心等，其可以是活动的或空闲的(例如，当活动时具有活动时钟，而当空闲时具有关闭或充分减慢的时钟)。 IC 102 having one or more functional blocks, such as the core and the like, which may be active or idle (e.g., having a clock active when activity has slowed sufficiently or off when the clock is idle). VSL 108有能力基于有多少和/或哪些功能块空闲，来确定负载线电压降和/或供电电流减少(其转化为负载线电压降)的减小量。 VSL 108 has the ability based on how many and / or which functional blocks idle load line to determine the voltage drop and / or reduce the amount of supply current decreases (which is converted to the load line voltage drop). (注意，如本文所使用的，术语“确定”是指通过测量、估计、计算、推导、识别等来获得结果，并且是要以其最广的含义来使用)。 (Note that, as used herein, the term "determining" refers to measuring, estimating, computing, deriving, recognition result is obtained, and is in its broadest sense to be used).
 对于许多应用，取决于期望的工作性能，它们的规范可能要求供电电压V。  For many applications, depending on the desired performance, they may require a supply voltage specification V. 处于或高于最小电平。 At or above a minimum level. 然而，由于电力输送网上存在电压降(以负载线电阻I为模型)，使得IC实际接收到的供电电压(V。)小于调节器电压(Vk)。 However, since the power transmission line there is a voltage drop (resistance to load line model I), the IC actually received supply voltage (V.) is less than the regulator voltage (Vk). 负载线电压降是:Ι^χΙ。 Load line voltage drop is: Ι ^ χΙ. 。 . 因此，V。 Therefore, V. 为:VK-(IcXI^)。 It is: VK- (IcXI ^). 由此，为了在IC处获得可接受的供电电压V。 Thus, in order to obtain an acceptable supply voltage at the IC V. ，应该对该电压降加以考虑。 , The voltage drop should be considered.
 为了满足V。  In order to meet V. 要求，传统方式例如对调节器电压(Vk)进行选择，以使得即使当所有功能块都活动时，V。 Required, for example, in a conventional manner regulator voltage (Vk is) is selected, so that even when all functional blocks are active, V. 也不会降至规定值以下。 Not to the required value. 即，假定了最坏情况(所有块都活动)下的供电电流(Ic)，并且请求Vk以提供满足该条件的Vc。 That supply current, assuming the worst case (all blocks are active) under (Ic), and requests to provide Vk Vc satisfy this condition. 以其他已知方式，VSL可以响应于功能块空闲而将所请求的\减少固定的“安全”量，而不管其当前的性能状态。 In other known manner, VSL is reduced by a fixed amount in response to the function block and the requested idle \ "safe", regardless of its current performance state. 然而，该方式仍然未能考虑:对于特定工作条件下在负载线上的电压降的特定减少，可以实际减小多少供电电压。 However, this method still fails to consider: in particular to reduce the voltage drop of the load line under certain operating conditions, how much actual supply voltage can be reduced. 因此，利用本文所公开的一些实施例，基于空闲块的数量和/或质量来确定(计算、估计、测量、推导和/或识别)负载线电压降的减少，以在满足供电电压的要求的同时，更优地减小所请求的\。 Thus, with some embodiments herein disclosed, based on the number of free blocks and / or quality is determined (calculated, estimated, measurement, derivation and / or identification) reduces the load line voltage drop, in order to meet the requirements of the supply voltage Meanwhile, more preferably reduced requested \.
 图2概括地示出例程200，其可以由VSL 108执行，以动态地选择减小的调节器电压VK。  Figure 2 generally illustrates a routine 200 which may be executed by VSL 108, to dynamically select a reduced regulator voltage VK. 在202处，确定接收到的供电电压的规定值。 At 202, it is determined a predetermined value of the received supply voltage. 在204处，确定一个或更多空闲IC块。 At 204, the IC determining one or more free blocks. 在206处，基于接收到的规定值和由于识别出的一个或更多空闲块所造成的负载线电压降的减少，来确定所请求的供电电压值。 At 206, based on the voltage drop lines, and to reduce the load of a predetermined value due to the identified receiving one or more free blocks caused by the supply voltage determining the requested value. 如下面将在示例性多核处理器IC的环境下进一步讨论的，可以以任何合适的方式来确定该减小量。 As will be discussed further in the environment of an exemplary multi-core processor IC, the amount of reduction may be determined in any suitable manner. 例如，可以通过基于工作条件和空闲块的数目/类型在一个存储结构中进行查找，来获取AVk值。 For example, it is possible to find on the working conditions and by the number / type of free blocks in a storage structure, to obtain AVk value. 可替换地，可以基于工作条件和空闲块的数目/类型，从对(例如，被熔断(fuse)到IC内的)边界值(例如Λ Vk值或AIc值)的内插(interpolation)推导出Δνκ。 Alternatively, it may be based on the operating conditions and the number / type of free blocks from the pair (e.g., by the IC fuse (FUSE) to a) limit value (e.g. Λ Vk value or AIc value) interpolation (interpolation) derived Δνκ. 例如,可以基于对AIc的估计(根据空闲块)和Ra的已知值计算AV来获取AVK。 For example, based on an estimate calculated AIc AV (according to free blocks) and the known values ​​of Ra to acquire AVK. 各种其他方式也可以被使用并落入本发明的范围内。 Various other ways may also be used and fall within the scope of the present invention.
 图3是根据本发明一些实施例的具有VSL的多核处理器302的框图，用于基于一个或更多其正处于空闲状态的核心来请求减小的VK。  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the multi-core processor having VSL embodiment of the present invention according to some 302, based on one or more of which is in the idle state requests VK core decreases. 处理器302具有N个核心306 (核心O到核心N-1)，和用于确定要从VRM 104请求的供电电压VSL 308。 The processor core having N 302 306 (Core O Core to N-1), and means for determining from the VRM 104 requests supply voltage VSL 308. 在该实例中，尽管η个核心在相同的电源面(power plane)上,但是却具有独立的时钟分配。 In this example, although the η cores on the same power plane (power plane), but with an independent clock distribution. 此外,这些核心被假定为彼此的拷贝，并且具有类似的功耗特性。 Further, these cores are assumed to another copy, and have a similar power consumption characteristics.
 处理器302可以工作在由所处理的应用确定的不同性能状态下。  The processor 302 may operate in different performance states determined by the application process. 术语“性能状态”一般是指对处理器或处理器内的核心的工作级别规范。 The term "performance state" generally refers to a working level in the core specification of the processor or processors. 例如，作为一种公共的性能状态规范的高级配置和电源接口(ACPI)规范定义了不同的P-状态，以指定该规范内不同性能状态的工作核心电压和频率。 For example, as a public performance state specification Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification defines the different P- state, to specify a different performance state within the working specification the core voltage and frequency. 对于该规范，PO是最高性能状态，而Pn是最低性能状态。 For this specification, PO is the highest performance state and Pn is the lowest performance state.
 对于一些平台，当启动时，计算平台的基本输入/输出系统(BIOS)基于从处理器获得的数据(例如，来自编程(例如，熔断的)边界值)来建立P-状态数据结构，以向处理器提供P-状态信息。  For some platforms, when starting, the computing platform of the basic input / output system (BIOS) based on data obtained from a processor (e.g., from a program (e.g., fusing) of the boundary value) to establish the state data structure P- to provide status information to the processor P-. 对于每种性能状态，该数据结构提供规定的工作供电电压和频率。 For each performance state, the data structure provides a predetermined supply voltage and operating frequency. 在一些实施例中，尽管可以针对每个核心的进程请求不同的P-状态(例如，从不同的操作系统线程)，但是控制逻辑将选择最活跃的状态并将其应用于每个核心。 In some embodiments, although the different request states for each core P- process (e.g., from a different operating system threads), the control logic will select the most active state and applied to each core. 然而，同时，这并不必然表示每个核心将以规定的P-状态参数来运行。 However, at the same time, this does not necessarily mean P- state parameters will be specified in each core to run. 还可能存在所谓的基础的C-状态，其可以被分别应用于各个核心。 There may also be a so-called basic state C-, which may be applied separately to each core. 因此，在可以为整个处理器302指派相对活跃的P-状态(例如，PO或Pl)的同时，如它们的C-状态所指出的，一些核心实际上可能是空闲的(例如，具有关闭的或充分减慢的时钟)。 Thus, processor 302 can be used simultaneously as a P- assigned relatively active state (e.g., PO or Pl is), as their state of C- noted, in fact, some of the core may be idle (e.g., having a closed or sufficiently slow down the clock).
 芯片的供电电流(Ic)具有动态分量(Imy)和静态分量(Ics),从而:1C = Imy+Ics。  The chip supply current (Ic) having a dynamic component (IMY) and a static component (Ics), whereby: 1C = Imy + Ics. 动态分量(Imy)表示开关电流，而静态分量(Ics)表示漏泄电流。 Dynamic component (IMY) shows the switching current and the static component (Ics) represents the leakage current. 无论核心是活动的还是空闲的，该核心通常都会消耗静态(漏泄)电流，而其动态电流则取决于其时钟。 Whether the core is active or idle, the core usually consume static (leakage) currents, and its dynamic current depends on its clock. 如果核心的时钟被关闭或者被充分地减慢，则可以合理地假定=Imy = O。 If the core clock is turned off or slowed sufficiently, it is reasonable to assume = Imy = O. 在一些实施例中，还可以合理地假定多个核心306具有相同(或足够类似)的功耗特性，即，针对给定的性能状态的动态电流消耗。 In some embodiments, it is also reasonable to assume that a plurality of the core 306 having the same (or sufficiently similar) power characteristics, i.e., dynamic current consumption for a given performance state. 这一事实可以用来基于空闲核心数来确定对于给定的P-状态，整个供电电流(Ic)中有多少动态分量(Imy)将会降落。 This fact can be used to determine the number of cores on idle for a given P- state, the entire supply current (Ic) how many dynamic component (Imy) will have the landing.
对于给定的P-状态，可以用空闲核心数i乘以每核心的动态电流值(Imyi),来获得动态电流的总体减少(AImy),并由此获得供电电流(I》的总体减少。(该减少是相对于一个用来定义满足V。要求的Vk值的预先假定值)。据此，所请求的Vk可以降低的量AV为MImyXR11^可以从较高的Vk中减少该Δνκ,而如果不这样做的话,该\^本已被用来满足所规定的要求。  For a given P- state, i may be multiplied by the number of cores dynamic idle current value of each core (Imyi), to obtain an overall reduction of the dynamic current (AImy), and thereby obtain the supply current (I "of overall decrease. (the reduction is defined with respect to a predetermined value is assumed to satisfy the requirements of the Vk value V.). Accordingly, the requested Vk can reduce the amount of AV MImyXR11 ^ may be reduced from a higher Vk in the Δνκ, but if you do not do so, the \ ^ this has been used to meet the requirements specified.
 在406处，确定在负载线电阻上的电压降的减少AVK。  At 406, it is determined to reduce the load on the AVK line resistance voltage drop. 取决于处理器结构和特定设计关注点，可以以各种不同的方式来进行该操作。 Depending on the particular processor architecture and design concerns, this operation may be performed in various ways. 下面将对此进行更多的讨论。 This will be described more discussion. 在408处，将基于所确定的Λ Ve的Vk提供给VRM。 At 408, supplied to the VRM based on the determined Vk of Λ Ve.
 图5不出根据一些实施例的用于基于空闲核心数i来确定Δνκ的例程406。  FIG 5 according to some embodiments not based on the number of cores i idle routine 406 determines Δνκ. 在502处，针对可应用的性能状态，确定芯片的总动态电容(CDyn)、频率F和供电电压V。 At 502, the applicable performance state for determining total dynamic capacitance of the chip (Cdyn), the frequency F and voltage supply V. 。 . 在504处，使用方程:Λ Ic = (CDyn -F-Vc) (i/N)(其中，i是空闲核心数，N是核心总数)来确定供电电流的减小量(△ Ic)。 At 504, using the equation: Λ Ic = (CDyn -F-Vc) (i / N) (where, i is the number of cores idle, N is the total number of cores) to determine the amount of reduction of the supply current (△ Ic). F和\将典型地在性能状态规范中定义，而Cllyn(用于处理器芯片)可以由芯片制造者提供，或者通过参数特性来确定。 And F \ will typically be defined in the specification performance state, and Cllyn (for processor chip) may be provided by the chip manufacturer, or determined by the parameter characteristics. Cllyn可以在制造期间被编程到芯片内，或者可以从外部存储源获得。 Cllyn may be programmed into the chip during manufacture, or may be obtained from an external storage source.
也可以被编程到芯片内(烧录、加载为机器码)，或者可以从外部存储源获得。 It can also be programmed into the chip (burn, loaded as machine code) or may be obtained from an external storage source.
 应该意识到，AVk可以以各种其他方式来确定，而并不限于图5的例程。  It should be appreciated, AVK may be determined in various other ways, and is not limited to the routine of FIG. 例如，可以基于P-状态和空闲核心数来检索(查找)合适的值。 For example, based on the number of P- and idle core to retrieve (search) a suitable value. 尽管这可能消耗相对较多的存储量，但是取决于设计关注点和如何实现，这种方式也是可行的。 While this may consume a relatively large amount of storage, but depending on the design concerns and how to implement, this approach is feasible. 例如，最大和最小AVk值可以被烧录或熔断到处理器芯片中，并且类似于一些实施例中BIOS生成P-状态数据的方式，可以生成包含这些不同值的数据结构并存储在存储器中。 For example, the maximum and minimum values ​​may be burned or AVk blown into the processor chip, and similar embodiments some embodiments BIOS P- generated status data, may generate a data structure comprising the different values ​​and stored in memory. 可替换地，为了获得更大的灵活性，八&值(而非AVk)可以被编程到基于特定工作参数(例如，P-状态)和空闲核心数来进行检索的表中，或者可以针对该表生成△1。 Alternatively, in order to obtain greater flexibility, & eight values ​​(not AVK) table may be programmed to be retrieved based on a particular operating parameters (e.g., P- state) and an idle cores, or may be for the table generating △ 1. 值。 value. 以这种方式，可以针对任何VRM和电力输送网确定八％值。 In this way, it can determine the value of eight percent for any VRM and power delivery network. 对于给定实现的的值然后可以例如在启动时从源提供到VSL308。 Value for a given implementation may then be provided, for example, when starting from the source to VSL308. 例如，的值可以存储在BIOS寄存器中，或者甚至可以针对特定电力输送网配置在工厂被烧录到的固件中。 For example, the values ​​may be stored in the BIOS registers, or may even be arranged to be burned at the factory firmware for a particular power transmission network. 如将意识到的，多种其他方法也可以被实现，并落入所附权利要求书的范围内。 As will be appreciated, various other methods may also be implemented, and fall within the scope of the appended claims.
 每个参数寄存器602接收与其相关联的核心的P-状态标识符，以及所请求的P-状态的(每空闲核心)AVlii值。  (idle per core) AVlii core value of each parameter register 602 receives the P- associated status identifier, and the requested status P-. 参数寄存器602将它们的P-状态提供给P-状态解析逻辑604，后者为核心处理这些P-状态请求，并选择要应用于所有核心的P-状态。 Parameter register 602 provides status to their P- P- state analysis logic 604, which processes the P- core status request, and choose to apply to all the P- core state. 例如，在一些实施例中，P-状态解析逻辑604从所请求的P-状态中选择最活跃的所请求的P-状态。 For example, in some embodiments, state analyzing P- P- state logic 604 to select the most active of the requested information from the requested P- state. 此外，参数寄存器602向加法逻辑606提供数字值，指示与它们相关联的核心是否空闲。 Furthermore, the parameter register 602 provides a digital value to the adder logic 606, indicating whether the associated core and they are idle. 加法逻辑606将这些值进行合并(求和)，以产生指示有多少核心空闲的结果并将其提供给乘法逻辑610。 Adder logic 606 These values ​​are combined (summed) to produce a core indicate how many free and provided to the result of the multiplication logic 610. 最后，参数寄存器602向复用器608提供它们的所请求的P-状态的八^信息。 Finally, parameter register 602 provides the state thereof P- requested information to the multiplexer 608 ^ eight. 来自P-状态解析逻辑604的所选P-状态信号选择与所选P-状态相关联的电压减少因子(AVKi)。 Status signal selecting the selected voltage with the selected P- P- P- state from state logic 604 parses associated reduction factor (AVKi). 该值被提供给乘法器610并与空闲核心数相乘，以获得净电压减少值(AVk)。 This value is provided to the multiplier 610 and multiplied with the number of cores is idle, to obtain the net voltage reduction value (AVk). 然后，从V/F命令寄存器612提供的Vk值中减去该乘积，并将结果提供给VRM 104。 Then, from the V / F value of the register 612 provides command Vk subtracting the multiplication, and supplies the result to the VRM 104. 例如，可以将其提供给与VRM通信的一个或更多电压选择管脚或片外接口。 For example, it may be provided to one or more selected external voltage VRM communication pins or chip interface.
 图7是根据本发明一些实施例的具有电压选择逻辑(VSL)708的计算机系统700的框图，当供电电流下降时，VSL 708将动态可减小的Vk请求提供给VRM。  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the present invention, some embodiments of the selection logic having a voltage (VSL is) a computer system 700 according to 708, when the supply current drops, the VSL is dynamically reduced to 708 Vk request to the VRM. 计算机系统700可以是个人计算机系统或企业计算机系统，例如，膝上型、笔记本或台式计算机系统。 The computer system 700 may be a personal computer system or enterprise computer systems, for example, a laptop, notebook or desktop computer system. 计算机系统700可以包括一个或更多处理器702，其可以包括多个子块，例如但不限于，由核心704所示的一个或更多核心(核心I到核心N)以及电源管理逻辑(PML)706(可以包含VSL 708);如相关领域技术人员至少基于本文描述的教示所能意识到的，在一些实施例中，VSL708可以被实现为包括等同逻辑的模块。 The computer system 700 may include one or more processors 702, which may include a plurality of sub-blocks, such as, but not limited to, one or more core of the core 704 shown in (core I to the core N) and power management logic (PML) 706 (may comprise VSL 708); as described in the relevant art based on the teachings herein, at least can be appreciated, in some embodiments, VSL708 may be implemented as a logic module includes equivalents.
 一个或更多处理器702可以是英特尔®架构的微处理器。  One or more processors 702 may be Intel ® architecture microprocessors. 对于其他实施例，这些处理器可以是不同类型的处理器，例如，图形处理器、数字信号处理器、嵌入式处理器等，和/或可以实现不同的架构。 For other embodiments, the processor may be different types of processors, e.g., a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, an embedded processor, etc., and / or different architectures may be implemented.
 一个或更多处理器702按照一个或更多时钟源709来工作，并具有来自一个或更多电压调节器模块(VRM) 104的电力。  The one or more processors 702 in accordance with one or more clock sources 709 to operate, and having one or more power from the voltage regulator module (VRM) 104 a. 一个或更多处理器702还可以与诸如存储器712这样的其他级别的存储器进行通信。 One or more processors 702 may also communicate with other levels of memory such as memory 712. 可以通过主机总线714和芯片组716来访问较高的存储器层次级别，例如系统存储器(RAM) 718a和诸如大容量存储设备这样的存储设备718b (其可以被包括在系统内或者可以被系统访问)。 716 can be accessed by the higher level of memory hierarchy host bus 714 and chipset, such as system memory (RAM) 718a and storage device such as a large-capacity storage device such as 718b (which may be included in the system or may be accessed within the system) .
 此外，其他功能单元(例如，图形接口720和网络接口722，仅列举了少数几个)可以通过适当的总线或端口来与一个或更多处理器702进行通信。  In addition, other functional units (e.g., graphics interface 720 and a network interface 722, to name a few) may communicate with one or more processors 702 via appropriate bus or port. 诸如天线(未示出)这样的其他设备可以耦合到网络接口，以将该一个或更多处理器耦合到无线网络。 Such as an antenna (not shown) so that other devices may be coupled to the network interface, to the one or more processors coupled to the wireless network.
 此外，本领域技术人员将认识到，可以使用不同于图7中所示的划分和/或集成方式来实现所示出的一些或全部组件，而不偏离所描述的实施例的精神和范围。 Division and / or integrated manner shown in Figure 7  Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize, may be used to achieve different from FIG some or all of the components shown, embodiments without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described and scope.
 对于本发明的一些实施例，存储设备718b可以存储诸如操作系统724这样的软件。  For some embodiments, the storage device 718b of the present invention may be stored, such as an operating system 724 such software. 对于一个实施例，操作系统是可从位于华盛顿州雷蒙德的微软公司获得的Windows ®操作系统，该操作系统包括根据高级配置和电源接口(ACPI)标准的特性和功能，和/或提供操作系统控制的电源管理(OSPM)。 For one embodiment, operating system, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington ® Windows ® operating system, the operating system comprising the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) standard features and capabilities, and / or providing operations power management control system (OSPM). 对于一些实施例，操作系统可以是不同类型的操作系统，例如，Linux操作系统。 For some embodiments, the operating system may be a different type of operating system, e.g., Linux operating system.
 尽管系统700可以是个人计算机系统，但是其他类型的系统也在各种实施例的范围内，例如，其他类型的计算机(例如，手持设备、服务器、平板计算机、网络应用设备、路由器等)、无线通信设备(例如，蜂窝电话、无绳电话、寻呼机、个人数字助理等)、计算机相关的外设(例如，打印机、扫描仪、监视器等)、娱乐设备(例如，电视、收音机、立体声系统、磁带和致密盘播放器、盒式录像机、可携式摄像机、数码摄像机、MP3 (运动图像专家组，音频层3)播放器、视频游戏机、手表等)等。 The range  Although the system 700 may be a personal computer system, but also other types of systems of the various embodiments, e.g., other types of computers (e.g., a handheld device, a server, a tablet computer, a network appliance, such as a router ), a wireless communication device (e.g., cellular phones, cordless phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, etc.), computer-related peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, monitors, etc.), an entertainment device (e.g., television, radio, stereo system, tape and compact disc players, video cassette recorders, camcorders, digital cameras, MP3 (motion picture Experts Group, audio layer 3) players, video games, watches, etc.) and so on. 前面各图所表示的存储电路也可以具有任意的类型，并且可以实现在上述系统中的任意一种中。 The memory circuit indicated earlier figures may be of any type, and may be implemented in the above system of any one.
 VSL 708可以与处理器701的其他特性和功能(例如，电源管理模块706)协同工作。  VSL 708 processor can work with other features and functions (e.g., power management module 706) 701. 具体地，一个实施例的电源管理模块可以控制处理器701和/或单独的核心704的电源管理，包括各种功耗状态之间的转换。 Specifically, the power management module of one embodiment may control the processor 701 and / or a separate kernel power manager 704, including transitions between various power states. 例如，在操作系统724支持ACPI的情况下，VSL 708可以控制并跟踪各个核心的C-状态和/或P-状态。 For example, in the case of ACPI-compliant operating system 724, VSL 708 may control and track the status of each core C- and / or P- state. 电源管理逻辑706还可以存储一个或更多实施例的用于管理动态请求的VRM电压的其他信息，或具有对该其他信息的访问权，该其他信息例如是活动的存储器和/或一个或更多核心的数量、最小高速缓冲存储器的大小、计时器信息和/或存储在寄存器或其他数据存储设备中的其他信息。 Power management logic 706 may also store a voltage VRM or other information for managing requests more embodiments of a dynamic embodiment, or has access to the additional information, the additional information, for example, memory activity, and / or one or more other multi-core information amount, a minimum cache memory size, timer information, and / or stored in a register or other data storage device.
 此外，相关领域的技术人员将意识到，对于本发明的一些实施例，VSL708可以使用额外的中间状态，以及更大和/更小的状态。  In addition, the art relevant art will recognize that, for some embodiments of the present invention, VSL708 additional intermediate states may be used, as well as larger and smaller state /.
 尽管上面已经描述了一个或更多实施例的许多特定细节，但是将意识到，对于其他实施例，可以实现用于动态地减小所请求的供电电压的其他方式。  Although the above has been described, numerous specific details of one or more embodiments, it will be appreciated that, for other embodiments, other means may be implemented for dynamically reducing the supply voltage requested. 例如，尽管上面提到了特定功耗状态，但是，对于其他实施例，可以在确定增加或降低有效的所请求的供电电压的过程中考虑其他功耗状态和/或其他因子。 For example, although the above-mentioned specific power state, however, for other embodiments, other power states may be considered and / or other factors determining the increase or decrease in the effective supply voltage of the requested process.
 此外，尽管出于举例的目的，针对具有单个供电电压(例如，来自VRM)的芯片讨论了基于空闲核心的动态供电方式，但是将意识到，根据一个或更多实施例的请求供电电压的方式可以应用于不同类型的电力输送网和/或主机集成电路芯片和/或系统。  Further, although for purposes of example, for a single power supply voltage (e.g., from VRM) discussed chip dynamic idle power supply based core, it will be appreciated that the power supply in accordance with a request or more embodiments voltage may be applied to different types of power transmission network and / or host integrated circuit chip and / or system.
 例如，如图8中所示的具有多个供电域中的多个核心的处理器可以采用本文所教导的供电减小方式。  For example, a processor having a plurality of power domains of a plurality of core shown in FIG. 8 can be used to reduce the power supply manner as taught herein. 处理器802包括N个不同的供电域804i;每个耦合到相关联的VRM104i；以响应于所请求的Vk而向该域提供可分别控制的供电电压V。 The processor 802 includes N distinct power domains 804i; each coupled to an associated VRM104i; requested in response to a supply voltage Vk is provided to respectively control domain V. 。 . 每个域包括一个或更多核心806i和一个VSL 808i；以基于该域内的空闲核心数来请求供电电压VKi。 Each domain comprises one or more cores 806i and a VSL 808i; idle cores to the art based on the request for the supply voltage VKi.
 本说明书中对“一个实施例”、“实施例”、“示例性实施例”等的任何引用是指，结合该实施例描述的特定特征、结构或特性被包括在本发明的至少一个实施例中。  The present specification at least the present invention to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular feature of the embodiments described, structure, or characteristic is included in one embodiment embodiment. 本说明书中各处出现的这样的短语并不必然全都指代同一个实施例。 Such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 此外，当结合任何实施例来描述特定特征、结构或特性时，被认为是在本领域技术人员的理解范围内的是，可以结合其他实施例来改变这样的特征、结构或特性。 Further, when the embodiments are described in connection with any particular feature, structure, or characteristic is considered to be within the purview of one skilled in the art that other embodiments may be combined to change such feature, structure, or characteristic. 本发明的可替代实施例还包括机器可访问介质，其包含用于执行本发明的操作的指令。 Alternative embodiments of the present invention also include machine-accessible media containing instructions for performing the operations of the present invention is used. 这样的实施例还可被称作程序产品。 Such embodiments may also be referred to as program products. 这种机器可访问介质可以非限制性地包括诸如软盘、硬盘、CD-R0M、R0M以及RAM这样的存储介质，以及制造或形成的、或可由机器或设备检测到的粒子或分子的其他有形排列。 Such machine accessible media may include, without limitation, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, CD-R0M, R0M and a RAM such storage medium, and, or by a machine or device to detect molecules or particles manufactured or formed of other tangible arrangements . 指令也可以用在分布式环境中，并且可以被本地存储和/或远程存储，以供单或多处理器的机器访问。 Instructions may also be used in a distributed environment, and may be stored locally and / or remotely, for single or multi-processor machines access.
 此外，为了方便理解，可能已经将某些方法过程描绘为分开的过程；然而，这些分开描绘的过程不应被解释成在其执行上的必然的顺序相关性。  Further, for ease of understanding, certain methods may have been depicted as separate processes process; however, these separate processes depicted should not be construed in its inevitable execution order dependencies. 即，如本领域技术人员将至少基于本文提供的教示所意识到的，能够以可替代的顺序或者同时执行一些过程。 That is, as those skilled in the art will be based at least on the teachings provided herein appreciated, it can be an alternative order or simultaneously perform some procedure.
 足够详细地描述了本发明的实施例，以使本领域技术人员能够实践本发明。  Example embodiments are described in sufficient detail the present invention, to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. 也可以利用其他实施例，并且可以作出结构、逻辑和能力方面的改变，而不偏离本发明的范围。 Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made, and logic ability, without departing from the scope of the invention. 此外，应该理解，本发明的各种实施例尽管不同，但是并不一定是相互排斥的。 Furthermore, it should be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. 例如，一个实施例中描述的特定特征、结构或特性可以包括在其他实施例中。 For example, a particular feature described in the embodiment, structures or characteristics may be included in other embodiments. 因此，不应该限制性地理解本详细说明。 Thus, it should not be restrictively understood that this detailed description.
 前面的实施例和优点仅仅是示例性的，并且不应被解释为限制了本发明。  The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. 例如，本文给出的教示可以容易地应用于其他类型的存储器。 For example, the teachings presented herein can be readily applied to other types of memory. 本领域技术人员从前面的描述可以意识到，可以以各种形式来实现本发明的实施例的技术。 Those skilled in the art may be appreciated from the foregoing description, may be implemented in various forms technique embodiments of the present invention. 因此，尽管已经结合其特定实例描述了本发明的实施例，但是，本发明的实施例的实际范围并不受此限制，因为根据对附图、说明书和所附权利要求书的学习，其他修改对本领域技术人员来说将是显而易见的。 Thus, although particular examples have been described in connection with embodiments of the present invention, however, the actual scope of the embodiments of the present invention is not so limited, because of the drawings, the specification and the appended claims learning, other modifications this skill in the art will be apparent.
1.一种集成电路装置，包括: 一个或更多的多核处理器中的核心，当所述装置工作时，所述一个或更多的多核处理器中的核心能够是空闲的；以及确定单元，用于基于所述一个或更多的核心中空闲的核心的数目、供电电流的减少和负载线电阻值来确定要从电压调节器模块请求的供电电压电平，所述供电电流的减少是基于每核心的动态电流值和空闲核心的数目。 1. An integrated circuit device, comprising: a core of one or more multi-core processor, when the device is working, the core of one or more multi-core processor can be idle; and determining means , for determining a supply voltage level from the voltage regulator module request, reducing the supply current based on the number of cores in the one or more idle core, the current supply line to reduce load resistance value and number of dynamic current value of each of the core and the core based on idle.
2.根据权利要求1所述的装置，其中，从所述电压调节器模块请求的预先定义的供电电压的电平是基于所述处理器的性能状态。 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, based on the performance state of the processor supply voltage level from a predefined of the voltage regulator module request.
3.根据权利要求2所述的装置，其中，所述预先定义的电平被减小了根据查找该性能状态的当前每核心的参数所确定的量。 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pre-defined level is reduced by an amount determined in accordance with the current performance state to find the parameters for each kernel.
4.根据权利要求2所述的装置，其中，基于将减少的供电电流确定为IC动态电容的函数，所述预先定义的电平被减小了一数量。 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, based on the reduced supply current IC as a function of the dynamic capacitance, the predetermined level is reduced by a defined amount.
5.根据权利要求2所述的装置，其中，所述预先定义的电平被减小了根据查找该性能状态的每核心的从所述电压调节器模块请求的供电电压的减少所确定的量。 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pre-defined level is reduced by an amount determined by the supply voltage reduced from the voltage regulator module according to a search request to the performance state of each of the core .
6.根据权利要求1所述的装置，其中，当所述核心不是空闲的并且处于相同的性能状态时，所述核心消耗基本上相同的动态电流。 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the core is not idle and in the same performance state, the core is substantially the same dynamic current consumption.
7.根据权利要求1所述的装置，其中，所述确定单元和所述一个或更多的核心是一个供电域的一部分，该供电域是所述装置内的多个供电域之一。 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said determining means and said one or more core domain is part of a power supply, the power supply domain is one of a plurality of fields within the apparatus.
8.一种用于电源管理的方法，包括: 确定要从电压调节器模块请求的预`先规定的供电电压； 确定正在工作的集成电路中有多少多核处理器中的核心是空闲的； 确定每核心的动态电流值并将该值与空闲核心的数目相乘来确定供电电流的减少； 基于所述减小的供电电流和负载线电阻值来确定要将所述供电电压减少多少；以及使所述预先规定的供电电压减小基于所述减小的供电电流和负载线电阻值所确定的量。 8. A method for power management, comprising: determining a predetermined supply voltage from the voltage regulator module to request a pre-`; determining an integrated circuit with a core is operating in many multi-core processor is idle; determining dynamic current value of each of the core and the core of the idle value is determined by multiplying the number of reduction of the supply current; and a supply current based on the resistance value of the load line to determine how much you want to decrease the power supply voltage decreases; and the predetermined supply voltage reduction amount based on the determined power supply current and the load resistance value of the wire decreases.
9.根据权利要求8所述的方法，还包括:将所述减小的供电电压提供给所述电压调节器模块。 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: reducing the supply voltage to the voltage regulator module.
10.根据权利要求8所述的方法，其中，所述负载线电阻值被熔断到所述集成电路中。 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the resistance value of the load line is fused to the integrated circuit.
11.根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述负载线电阻值是从所述集成电路的外部检索到的。 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the resistance value of the load line is retrieved from an external to the integrated circuit.
12.根据权利要求8所述的方法，包括:确定每核心的供电电压的减小值并将该值乘以空闲核心的数目，以确定要将所述预先规定的供电电压减小多少。 12. The method according to claim 8, comprising: determining a reduced value of the supply voltage multiplied by the number of each of the core and the core of the idle value to said predetermined determining to how much to reduce the supply voltage.
13.一种处理器，包括: 多个核心，其在多个性能状态中所选择的一个性能状态下工作；以及电压选择单元，用于请求供电电压Vk以向所述多个核心提供接收到的供电电压V。 13. A processor, comprising: a plurality of cores, the performance of work under a state in which a plurality of performance states selected; and a voltage selecting means for requesting to provide the supply voltage Vk to the plurality of receiving core supply voltage V. ，其中，使所述Vk减小基于当所述处理器在工作时所述多个核心中空闲的核心的数目、供电电流的减少和负载线电阻值所确定的量，所述供电电流的减少是基于每核心的动态电流值和空闲核心的数目。 , Wherein the reduction amount based on the number Vk when the processor core of the plurality of idle work in the core, reducing the value of the supply line resistance and the load current is determined, and the power supply to reduce current is the number of dynamic current value of each of the core and the core based on idle.
14.根据权利要求13所述的处理器，其中，所述\是用以下方式来确定的:将基于所选择的性能状态的预先规定的Vk减小一数量，该数量是通过确定供电电流的减少而导出的。 14. The processor according to claim 13, wherein said \ is determined in the following way: the decrease a predetermined amount based on the selected performance states Vk is, the number of which is determined by the supply current reduction and export.
15.根据权利要求14所述的处理器，其中，供电电流的减少是通过从性能状态数据结构中检索出每核心的供电电流值来确定的。 15. The processor of claim 14, wherein, to reduce the supply current is determined by the supply current value retrieved from the performance state data structure for each core.
16.根据权利要求13所述的处理器，其中，所述Vk是用以下方式来确定的:将基于所选择的性能状态的预先规定的Vk减小一数量，该数量是通过确定每核心的电压值而导出的。 16. The processor of claim 13, wherein said Vk is determined in the following way: the decrease a predetermined amount based on the selected performance states Vk, this number is determined by each core voltage value and export.
17.根据权利要求16所述的处理器，其中，所述每核心的电压值是从性能状态数据结构中检索到的。 17. The processor of claim 16, wherein said core of each voltage value is retrieved from the performance state of the data structure.
18.根据权利要求13所述的处理器，其中，所述Vk是从电压调节器模块请求的。 18. The processor of claim 13, wherein the voltage Vk is a request from the regulator module.
19.根据权利要求18所述的处理器，包括所述电压调节器模块的至少一部分。 19. The voltage regulator module comprises at least a portion of processor of claim 18,.
20.根据权利要求18所述的处理器，其中，所述多个核心和所述电压选择单元是一个供电域的一部分，该供电域是所述处理器的多个供电域之一。 20. The processor according to claim 18, wherein said core and said plurality of voltage supply selecting unit is part of a domain, the domain is one of a plurality of power supply domains of the processor.
21.一种计算机系统，包括: 处理器，具有: 多个核心，其在多个性能状态中所选择的一个的性能状态下工作；以及电压选择单元，用于请求供电电压Vk以向所述多个核心提供接收到的供电电压V。 21. A computer system, comprising: a processor, having: a plurality of cores, the performance of work under a state in which a plurality of performance states in the selected one; and a voltage selecting means for requesting to said supply voltage Vk to a plurality of core provides the received supply voltage V. ，其中，使所述Vk减小基于当所述处理器在工作时所述多个核心中空闲的核心的数目、供电电流的减少和负载线电阻值所确定的量，所述供电电流的减少是基于每核心的动态电流值和空闲核心的数目； 电压调节器的至少一部分，用于生成所述Vk以将Vc提供给所述处理器；以及天线，其耦合到所述处理器，用于将所述处理器通信地链接到无线网络。 , Wherein the reduction amount based on the number Vk when the processor core of the plurality of idle work in the core, reducing the value of the supply line resistance and the load current is determined, and the power supply to reduce current dynamic current value is based on the number of each of the core and the core is idle; at least a portion of the voltage regulator, for generating the Vk Vc to be provided to the processor; and an antenna, coupled to the processor for the processor communicatively linked to the wireless network.
22.根据权利要求21所述的计算机系统，其中，所述％是用以下方式来确定的:将基于所选择的性能状态的预先规定的Vk减小一数量，该数量是通过确定供电电流的减少而导出的。 22. The computer system of claim 21, wherein the% is determined in the following way: the decrease a predetermined amount based on the selected performance states Vk is, the number of which is determined by the supply current reduction and export.
23.根据权利要求22所述的计算机系统，其中，供电电流的减少是通过从性能状态数据结构中检索出每核心的供电电流值来确定的。 23. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the supply current is reduced via the power supply current value retrieved from the performance state data structure of the core of each determined.
24.根据权利要求21所述的计算机系统，其中，所述Vk是用以下方式来确定的:将基于所选择的性能状态的预先规定的Vk减小一数量，该数量是通过确定每核心的电压值而导出的。 24. The computer system as recited in claim 21, wherein said Vk is determined in the following way: the decrease a predetermined amount based on the selected performance states Vk, this number is determined by each core voltage value and export.
25.根据权利要求24所述的计算机系统，其中，所述每核心的电压值是从性能状态数据结构中检索到的。 25. The computer system of claim 24, wherein said core of each voltage value is retrieved from the performance state of the data structure.

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