Apparatus and method for efficiency optimization of integrated circuits by temperature sensor and servo loop
AssigneeNational Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsMichael Eugene Broach, Barry James Culpepper
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Abstract
Optimization of a parameter can be achieved by a servo loop having a temperature sensor, a temperature change detector, and a parameter adjuster. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of an electronic device while the parameter is varied. The temperature change detector detects whether the electronic device temperature is increasing or decreasing. The parameter has a value associated with minimum power consumption when the monitored temperature reaches a minimum. The parameter is adjusted dynamically to a new preferred value as operating conditions of the electronic device change.
Claims21
An apparatus for optimizing the efficiency of an integrated circuit with respect to at least one operating parameter, comprising:
- a temperature sensor that is arranged to monitor a current temperature that is associated with an electronic device, and provide a current temperature signal;
- a temperature change detector that is arranged to compare the current temperature signal to a previous temperature signal that was associated with the electronic device, wherein the temperature change detector determines a direction for the temperature, wherein the direction is one of increasing or decreasing;
- and
- a parameter adjuster that is responsive to the temperature change detector and that is arranged to adjust the parameter such that a preferred operating point of the electronic device is located and maintained, whereby a minimum temperature of the electronic device is obtained.
A method for efficiency optimization of an integrated circuit with respect to at least one operating parameter, comprising:
- initializing the parameter;
- monitoring a temperature that is associated with an electronic device;
- differentiating to determine a direction of change for the temperature;
- and
- adjusting the parameter to locate a minimum temperature of the electronic device.
An apparatus for optimizing the efficiency of an integrated circuit with respect to at least one operating parameter, comprising:
- a means for monitoring the temperature that is associated with an electronic device;
- a means for determining the direction of change for the temperature;
- and
- a means for adjusting the parameter to locate a minimum temperature of the electronic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.