Power consumption control of multiprocessor system using separate timers for monitoring processor load rise and drop

摘要

In a multiprocessor system having two CPUs 11-1 and 11-2, processor load monitoring units 12-1 and 12-2 are monitoring the loads on the respective CPUs, and each processor load monitoring unit notifies the corresponding CPU of any drop or rise in load by generating interruption. If this notification reveals a drop in the load working on the CPU 11-1 or 11-2, the CPU is degenerated and power supply to the CPU is stopped. On the other hand, if a rise in the load working on the CPU 11-1 or 11-2 is perceived, power supply to the already degenerated CPU is resumed, and the CPU is added to the multiprocessor system.