Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are provided to gate a Phased Locked Loop (PLL). In microprocessors, the clock distribution system can account for a substantial amount of power consumption. Gating the PLLs, however, has been difficult because of the usual requirement for a separate clock for control logic and because the PLL requires timed to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Therefore, lock detection logic can be employed to allow the PLL to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Additionally, signals from external devices and the processor can be employed to gate the PLL and allow the processor to be awakened without a need for a separate clock.

Abstract: The present invention provides for notifying threads. A determination is made whether there is a condition for which a thread is to be notified. If so, a notification indicia is broadcasted. A flag is set in at least one memory storage area as a function of the notification indicia wherein the setting the flag occurs without the intervention of an operating system. Therefore, latencies for notification of threads are minimized.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for predicting power consumption for chip. The model for predicting power consumptions is modified so at to provide a high degree of accuracy with a minimal amount of computing time. Traditionally, when modeling a chip, a vast amount of time and computer resources were required to predict power consumption. Techniques required less time and less computer power, but the accuracy also decreased. However, by breaking down a chip into macros and developing energy rules for each macro, simple techniques can be employed to accurately predict power consumption under real world conditions with a minimal amount of time and computing power.

Abstract: The present invention provides for determining a temperature in a chip. A voltage across a thermal diode is generated. It is then determined whether the voltage across the first thermal diode exceeds a threshold value. The voltage is correlated with a range of values. The determination of whether the voltage across the thermal diode exceeds the threshold value is correlated with the correlation of the voltage with a range of values. Through the use of voltage level sensors, the use of C4 input/output pins are avoided.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for modeling algorithm for power consumption with improved accuracy. The improved model allows for variable operation of Local Clock Buffers (LCBs), which consume significant amounts power. Also, the amount of power consumed by each LCB can be varied. These variations of operation of LCBs and power consumption by LCBs allows for a more realistic model of operation of a given circuit or macro instead of the traditional “worst-case scenario” of power consumption.