Microsoft Corporation
PROCESSOR-BASED SYSTEM EMPLOYING CONFIGURABLE LOCAL FREQUENCY THROTTLING MANAGEMENT TO MANAGE POWER DEMAND AND CONSUMPTION, AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract:

Processor-based systems employing configurable local frequency throttling management to manage power demand and consumption, and related methods. For example, such processor-based systems may include a processor and other power circuitry to control power to the processor. The processor includes a clock control circuit that is configured generate a clock signal(s) at a designated frequency to clock a processor core(s) in the processor at a desired operating frequency(ies). The clock control circuit is configured to dynamically throttle (i.e., limit and/or reduce) the frequency(ies) of a clock signal(s) clocking the processor in response to a frequency throttle event that may be an unexpected event. Reducing power demand may be important to ensure that the processor can continue to operate under interrupted or reduced power supply conditions. It may be faster to throttle the operating frequency of a processor than to throttle the operating voltage of power supplied to the processor.