Modeling and implementation of a fully-digital integrated per-core voltage regulation system in a 28nm high performance 64-bit processor

Abstract

This paper describes modeling and implementation of a fully digital integrated linear voltage regulation system implemented in a 28nm x86-64 core to reduce power gating entry or exit latency. Running on a 100 MHz clock, the controller samples voltage using a time-to-digital converter, and controls a set of PFETs organized in a ring topology around the CPU cores to drop voltage down to a specified target value. A simple analytical model is developed and validated through fast Matlab-Simulink simulation, enabling quick design turnaround and reducing schedule impact. The regulation system is designed to support input-output voltages in the range 1.3 V - 0.55 V. Digitally-controlled header resistance values range from 1.5 Ω to 2 mΩ. Stable processor behavior is observed down to 0.6 V, enabling fast pseudo-power gating entry and exit. In a high-performance x86-64 dual-core microprocessor chip, the controller enables an effective 6% frequency increase for lightly threaded applications by increasing the boost state residency.