Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: at least two switches in series between an input voltage node and a ground terminal; an inductor coupled between a mid-point of the at least two switches and an output terminal; a first circuitry to compare a current through the inductor with a threshold current, and to control one or both of the at least two switches, based at least in part on the comparison; and a second circuitry to randomly vary the threshold current over consecutive cycles of switching of the at least two switches.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor includes a first processor core, a second processor core, a first voltage regulator to provide a first voltage to the first processor core with a first active value when the first processor core is active, and a second voltage regulator to provide a second voltage to the second processor core with a second active value when the second processor core is active. Responsive to a request to place the first processor core in a first low power state with an associated first low power voltage value, the first voltage regulator is to reduce the first voltage to a second low power voltage value that is less than the first low power voltage value, independent of the second voltage regulator. First data stored in a first register of the first processor core is retained at the second low power value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve integrated circuit (IC) performance across a range of operating conditions and/or physical constraints are described. In one embodiment, an operating parameter of one or more of processor cores may be adjusted in response to a change in the activity level of processor cores (e.g., the number of active processor cores) and/or a comparison of one or more operating conditions and one or more corresponding threshold values. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for integration of a processor and an input/output hub are described. In one embodiment, a sideband signal may cause change in a power management state of a processor or an integrated I/O logic. A single integrated circuit die may include both the processor and the integrated I/O logic. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor includes a first processor core, a second processor core, a first voltage regulator to provide a first voltage to the first processor core with a first active value when the first processor core is active, and a second voltage regulator to provide a second voltage to the second processor core with a second active value when the second processor core is active. Responsive to a request to place the first processor core in a first low power state with an associated first low power voltage value, the first voltage regulator is to reduce the first voltage to a second low power voltage value that is less than the first low power voltage value, independent of the second voltage regulator. First data stored in a first register of the first processor core is retained at the second low power value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first node to provide an un-gated power supply; a second node to provide a threshold dependent supply; an inverter with an input and an output, the inverter coupled to the first and second nodes, the inverter to receive the un-gated power supply at its power supply node, and to receive the threshold dependent supply for supplying ground supply at its ground node; and a transistor with its gate terminal coupled to the output of the inverter, the transistor to provide gated power supply to one or more logic units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for integration of a processor and an input/output hub are described. In one embodiment, a sideband signal may cause change in a power management state of a processor or an integrated I/O logic. A single integrated circuit die may include both the processor and the integrated I/O logic. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide voltage regulation for a processor. Control or configuration parameters for a voltage regulator (VR) are provided digitally over a configuration bus to a VR controller. The parameters may be provided directly from a storage element, or via a processing element or processor core. Based in whole or in part on the parameters, the VR controller provides an output control signal to affect a power output from a power converter to the processing element. In one embodiment, the VR controller is integrated onto the same IC as the processing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide voltage regulation for a processor. Control or configuration parameters for a voltage regulator (VR) are provided digitally over a configuration bus to a VR controller. The parameters may be provided directly from a storage element, or via a processing element or processor core. Based in whole or in part on the parameters, the VR controller provides an output control signal to affect a power output from a power converter to the processing element. In one embodiment, the VR controller is integrated onto the same IC as the processing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide voltage regulation for a processor. Control or configuration parameters for a voltage regulator (VR) are provided digitally over a configuration bus to a VR controller. The parameters may be provided directly from a storage element, or via a processing element or processor core. Based in whole or in part on the parameters, the VR controller provides an output control signal to affect a power output from a power converter to the processing element. In one embodiment, the VR controller is integrated onto the same IC as the processing element.

Abstract: A voltage regulator that is to change its DC output voltage as a primary function of a dynamic portion of integrated circuit (IC) supply current, wherein the voltage regulator's voltage dependence on at least one of a) IC supply leakage current, b) IC supply fixed dock current, or c) load current external to the IC, is a secondary and weaker function. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve integrated circuit (IC) performance across a range of operating conditions and/or physical constraints are described. In one embodiment, an operating parameter of one or more of processor cores may be adjusted in response to a change in the activity level of processor cores (e.g., the number of active processor cores) and/or a comparison of one or more operating conditions and one or more corresponding threshold values. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to sense supply voltage have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a resistor having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a voltage supply and a ring oscillator sensor coupled between the second end of the resistor and ground, the ring oscillator sensor having an output coupled to a computational element. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.

Abstract: While firing a number of phases of a multi-phase switching voltage regulator in a sequence, a determination is made as to which one of the phases has the lowest phase current. Then, the next phase, to be fired in the sequence, is selected as the one that has been determined to have the lowest phase current. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A voltage regulator that is to change its DC output voltage as a primary function of a dynamic portion of integrated circuit (IC) supply current, wherein the voltage regulator's voltage dependence on at least one of a) IC supply leakage current, b) IC supply fixed dock current, or c) load current external to the IC, is a secondary and weaker function. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.