Intel has been granted a patent for a method that enhances energy efficiency in multi-core processors. The approach involves ranking processor cores based on their minimum operation voltage (Vmin) and assigning the bootstrap processor to the most energy-efficient core, optimizing application scheduling for improved performance. GlobalData’s report on Intel gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Intel, Device power optimization was a key innovation area identified from patents. Intel's grant share as of July 2024 was 58%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Energy-efficient core ranking in multi-core processors
The patent US12073227B2 outlines a method and system for optimizing the operation of multi-core processors by managing their minimum operating voltage (Vmin). The core of the invention involves a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that contains instructions for processors to read and rank the Vmin of each core in a multi-core system. The highest-ranked core is designated as the new bootstrap processor, which can enhance system efficiency. Additionally, the operating system is informed of these rankings, allowing it to schedule tasks and interrupts on the most efficient core, thereby improving overall performance.
The patent further details the implementation of this method within a system-on-chip architecture, which includes a power management unit responsible for executing firmware that ranks processor cores based on their Vmin and efficiency in low-frequency modes. The ranked identifications of the cores are shared with the operating system through an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) table, specifically a Multiple APIC Description Table. This structured approach not only facilitates better power management but also ensures that the system can adaptively assign tasks to the most capable cores, thereby optimizing resource utilization in heterogeneous processing environments.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
