Activity smoothener circuit controlling rates of change of localized processing activity in an integrated circuit (IC), and related methods

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 11960338
APP PUB NO 20220269298A1
SERIAL NO

17182982

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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An activity smoothener circuit is provided to control rates of change in processing activity to limit di/dt in activity areas of an IC to mitigate voltage droops or overshoots. Controlling the rate of change of activity prevents or reduces instances of a di/dt exceeding a programmed maximum that is based on physical limits of the IC and/or a package. In examples, the activity smoothener circuit includes a hierarchy of smoothening circuits controlling activity in areas down to individual circuit blocks (tiles) including execution circuits. An indication of a desired level of activity is provided to a parent smoothening circuit and the parent smoothening circuit responds with indications of actual activity allowed to occur. At each level of hierarchy, the activity smoothener circuit may use algorithms to generate indications of actual activity based on indications of desired activity and di/dt limits. Di/dt limits and current minimums and maximums are controlled.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLCONE MICROSOFT WAY REDMOND WA 98052

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gladding, Derek E Poughquag, US 12 18
Rapaka, Smitha L San Jose, US 6 7
Xu, Xiaoling Cupertino, US 58 298

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