US 2004/0019456 A1 · Hardware based utilization metering

Abstract

A hardware based utilization metering device, and a corresponding method are used in a computer system having one or more central processor units (CPUs) to provide a measure of CPU utilization. The device includes a state indicator coupled to a CPU. The state indicator receives an indication when the CPU is in a first state, which may be a busy state. A counter coupled to the state indicator and coupled to a system clock, receives a measure of system time from the system clock and receives data related to the indication when the CPU is in the first state, and generates a counter value indicative of time the CPU is in the first state. A data usage provider coupled to the counter maintains a non-volatile value of the counter value.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A hardware based utilization metering device, comprising:

a state indicator coupled to a processor, wherein the state indicator receives an indication when the processor is in a first state;
a counter coupled to the state indicator and coupled to a system clock, wherein the counter receives a measure of system time from the system clock and receives data related to the indication when the processor is in the first state, and generates a counter value indicative of time the processor is in the first state;
and
a data usage provider coupled to the counter, wherein the data usage provider is capable of providing the counter value.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hardware based utilization metering

Life of this patent

Hardware based utilization metering

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20