Hardware device and method for multiprocessor dynamic asymmetric and symmetric mode switching

摘要

A processing system with multiple processors can dynamically switch between two modes of operation: symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and asymmetric multiprocessing (ASMP). The system uses specific criteria to determine when to transition to improve power consumption or performance. The controller enables control and high speed switching between the two modes. Upon receipt of a switch instruction to switch between SMP and ASMP, a series of operations are performed to control the voltage supply and CPU / memory clocks for multiple processors and cache memories.