System and method for power optimization in parallel units

A plurality of parallel execution units are selectively powered from a plurality of power sources, the power to each execution unit being selected based upon expected time to completion of processing within the execution unit. Maximum power is gated to execution units executing complex instructions,...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
1. Verfasser: KUEMERLE MARK WILLIAM
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:A plurality of parallel execution units are selectively powered from a plurality of power sources, the power to each execution unit being selected based upon expected time to completion of processing within the execution unit. Maximum power is gated to execution units executing complex instructions, or time-critical instructions. Less than maximum power is gated to execution units executing simple instructions, or instructions which are not time-critical, or in response to pipeline hazards or stalls. When less than maximum power is gated to an execution unit, a step up circuit may be employed to raise the output of that execution unit to maximum power.