Integrated CPU and L2 Cache Voltage Scaling Using Machine Learning

Embedded systems serve an emerging and diverse set of applications. As a result, more computational and storage capabilities are added to accommodate ever more demanding applications. Unfortunately, adding more resources typically comes on the expense of higher energy costs. New chip design with Multiple Clock Domains (MCD) opens the opportunity for fine-grain power management within the processor chip. When used with Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS), one can control the voltage and power of each domain independently. A significant power and energy improvement has been shown when using MCD design in comparison to managing a single voltage domain for the whole chip, as in traditional chips with global DVS.