Graphics controllers with increased thermal management granularity

摘要

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that may provide graphics controllers with increased thermal granularity. The graphics controller may comprise a display memory, at least one display engine coupled to the display memory, and at least one execution unit coupled to the display memory, where the at least one execution unit may begin an idle period that varies based upon a thermal event.

主权项

1. A graphics controller comprising:
a display memory; at least one display engine coupled to the display memory, wherein the at least one display engine is configured to transfer graphics data from the display memory to a display device; and at least one execution unit coupled to the display memory, wherein the at least one execution unit is configured to receive graphics processing commands sent from a host device and to generate and store the graphics data in the display memory based on the graphics processing commands; wherein for each scan line of an image of the display device the graphics controller is configured to determine a respective duration of an idle period of the at least one execution unit responsive to a thermal event; wherein, during the idle period, the at least one execution unit is further configured to:
cease receiving additional graphics processing commands; andcease processing previously received graphics processing commands; wherein the idle period occurs between the generation of graphics data corresponding to sequential scan lines of the image; wherein the respective duration of the idle period of a first scan line of the image is different from the respective duration of the idle period of a second scan line of the image; and wherein, after the idle period, the at least one execution unit is further configured to:
resume receiving additional graphics processing commands from the host device; andresume processing the received graphics processing commands.