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5.1.5
Component Power Measurement/Estimation Error
The processor input pin (ISENSE) informs the processor core of how much amperage
the processor core is consuming. This information is provided by the processor core VR.
The process will calculate its current power based upon the ISENSE input information
and current voltage state. The internal graphics and memory controller power is
estimated by the GFX driver using PMON.
Any error in power estimation or measurement may limit or completely eliminate the
performance benefit of Intel Turbo Boost Technology. When a power limit is reached,
Power sharing control will adaptively remove Intel Turbo Boost Technology states to
remain with the MCP thermal power limit. Power sharing control assumes the power
error is always accurate so if the ISENSE input reports power greater than the actual
power, control mechanisms will lower performance before the actual TDP power limit is
reached. Intelligent Power sharing will provide better overall Intel Turbo Boost
Technology performance with increasing VR current sense accuracy. Designers and
system manufacturers should study trade-offs on VR component accuracy
characteristics, such as inductors, to find the best balance of cost vs. performance for
their system price and performance targets.
5.2
Thermal Management Features
This section will cover thermal management features for the processor.
5.2.1
Processor Core Thermal Features
Occasionally the processor core will operate in conditions that exceed its maximum
allowable operating temperature. This can be due to internal overheating or due to
overheating in the entire system. In order to protect itself and the system from thermal
failure, the processor core is capable of reducing its power consumption and thereby its
temperature until it is back within normal operating limits via the Adaptive Thermal
Monitor.
The Adaptive Thermal Monitor can be activated when any core temperature, monitored
by a digital thermal sensor (DTS), exceeds its maximum junction temperature (T
and asserts PROCHOT#. The assertion of PROCHOT# activates the thermal control
circuit (TCC). The TCC will remain active as long as any core exceeds its temperature
limit. Therefore, the Adaptive Thermal Monitor will continue to reduce the processor
core power consumption until the TCC is de-activated.
Caution:
The Adaptive Thermal Monitor must be enabled for the processor to remain within
specification.
5.2.1.1
Adaptive Thermal Monitor
The purpose of the Adaptive Thermal Monitor is to reduce processor core power
consumption and temperature until it operates at or below its maximum operating
temperature. Processor core power reduction is achieved by:
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Thermal Management
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j,Max
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