18611064. ACTIVITY SMOOTHENER CIRCUIT CONTROLLING RATES OF CHANGE OF LOCALIZED PROCESSING ACTIVITY IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC), AND RELATED METHODS simplified abstract (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)

ACTIVITY SMOOTHENER CIRCUIT CONTROLLING RATES OF CHANGE OF LOCALIZED PROCESSING ACTIVITY IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC), AND RELATED METHODS

Organization Name

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Inventor(s)

Smitha L. Rapaka of San Jose CA (US)

Derek E. Gladding of Poughquag NY (US)

Xiaoling Xu of Cupertino CA (US)

ACTIVITY SMOOTHENER CIRCUIT CONTROLLING RATES OF CHANGE OF LOCALIZED PROCESSING ACTIVITY IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC), AND RELATED METHODS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18611064 titled 'ACTIVITY SMOOTHENER CIRCUIT CONTROLLING RATES OF CHANGE OF LOCALIZED PROCESSING ACTIVITY IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC), AND RELATED METHODS

The patent application describes an activity smoothener circuit designed to control rates of change in processing activity within an integrated circuit (IC) to prevent voltage droops or overshoots.

• The activity smoothener circuit includes a hierarchy of smoothening circuits that control activity levels in different areas of the IC, down to individual circuit blocks.
• The circuit receives indications of desired activity levels and responds with indications of actual activity allowed to occur, based on programmed di/dt limits.
• Algorithms are used at each level of the hierarchy to generate indications of actual activity, taking into account di/dt limits and current minimums and maximums.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be applied in various IC designs to improve performance and stability by controlling rates of change in processing activity. - It can be used in high-performance computing systems, mobile devices, and other electronic devices where voltage droops or overshoots can impact performance.

Problems Solved: - The activity smoothener circuit addresses issues related to voltage droops and overshoots in ICs by controlling the rate of change in processing activity. - It helps prevent instances of di/dt exceeding safe limits, ensuring the IC operates within specified parameters.

Benefits: - Improved stability and performance of integrated circuits. - Enhanced reliability by preventing voltage droops or overshoots. - Optimal utilization of resources within the IC.

Commercial Applications: Title: "Enhancing IC Performance with Activity Smoothener Circuit" This technology can be commercially applied in the semiconductor industry for designing advanced ICs with improved performance and reliability. It can also benefit companies developing high-speed computing systems and mobile devices.

Prior Art: Readers interested in exploring prior art related to activity smoothener circuits can start by researching patents in the field of integrated circuit design, voltage regulation, and power management.

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers in the field of semiconductor design and power management are continuously exploring new techniques to improve the performance and efficiency of integrated circuits. Stay updated on the latest advancements in activity control within ICs for potential future developments.

Questions about Activity Smoothener Circuits: 1. How does the activity smoothener circuit prevent voltage droops and overshoots in integrated circuits? - The activity smoothener circuit controls the rate of change in processing activity to limit di/dt, thereby preventing voltage droops or overshoots. 2. What are the key benefits of using an activity smoothener circuit in IC designs? - The main benefits include improved stability, enhanced performance, and optimized resource utilization within the integrated circuit.

Original Abstract Submitted

An activity smoothener circuit is provided to control rates of change in processing activity to limit di/dt in activity areas of an IC to mitigate voltage droops or overshoots. Controlling the rate of change of activity prevents or reduces instances of a di/dt exceeding a programmed maximum that is based on physical limits of the IC and/or a package. In examples, the activity smoothener circuit includes a hierarchy of smoothening circuits controlling activity in areas down to individual circuit blocks (tiles) including execution circuits. An indication of a desired level of activity is provided to a parent smoothening circuit and the parent smoothening circuit responds with indications of actual activity allowed to occur. At each level of hierarchy, the activity smoothener circuit may use algorithms to generate indications of actual activity based on indications of desired activity and di/dt limits. Di/dt limits and current minimums and maximums are controlled.