Microprocessor capable of dynamically increasing its performance in response to varying operating temperature

摘要

A temperature sensor in a microprocessor monitors its operating temperature Operating point data includes a first temperature being the maximum temperature at which the microprocessor will reliably operate at a first frequency and first voltage, the first frequency being the maximum frequency at which the microprocessor will reliably operate at the first temperature and the first voltage. Operating point data also includes a second temperature at which the microprocessor will reliably operate at a second frequency and a second voltage, the second frequency being greater than the first frequency and the second temperature less than the first temperature. A control circuit causes the microprocessor to operate at the second voltage and frequency rather than the first voltage and frequency in response to detecting that while operating at the first voltage and the first frequency the operating temperature dropped below the second temperature.