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Once the processor has sufficiently cooled, and a minimum activation time has
expired, the operating frequency and voltage transition back to the normal system
operating point. Transition of the VID code will occur first, in order to insure proper
operation once the processor reaches its normal operating frequency. Refer to
Figure 4-2 for an illustration of this ordering.
Figure 4-2. Thermal Monitor 2 Frequency and Voltage Ordering
T
TM2
f
MAX
f
TM2
VID
VID
TM2
Refer to the datasheet for further information on TM2.
4.2.4
Operation and Configuration
Thermal Monitor must be enabled to ensure proper processor operation.
The Thermal Control Circuit feature can be configured and monitored in a number of
ways. OEMs are required to enable the Thermal Control Circuit while using various
registers and outputs to monitor the processor thermal status. The Thermal Control
Circuit is enabled by the BIOS setting a bit in an MSR (model specific register).
Enabling the Thermal Control Circuit allows the processor to attempt to maintain a
safe operating temperature without the need for special software drivers or interrupt
handling routines. When the Thermal Control Circuit has been enabled, processor
power consumption will be reduced after the thermal sensor detects a high
temperature, i.e. PROCHOT# assertion. The Thermal Control Circuit and PROCHOT#
transitions to inactive once the temperature has been reduced below the thermal trip
point, although a small time-based hysteresis has been included to prevent multiple
PROCHOT# transitions around the trip point. External hardware can monitor
PROCHOT# and generate an interrupt whenever there is a transition from active-to-
inactive or inactive-to-active. PROCHOT# can also be configured to generate an
internal interrupt which would initiate an OEM supplied interrupt service routine.
36
Thermal Management Logic and Thermal Monitor Feature
Temperature
PROCHOT#
Frequency
VID
Time
Thermal and Mechanical Design Guidelines
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