Program Execution Speed
The speed at which a digital circuit can switch states - that is, to go from "low" (VSS) to "high" (VDD) or vice versa - is proportional to the voltage differential in that circuit. Reducing the voltage means that circuits switch slower, reducing the maximum frequency at which that circuit can run. This, in turn, reduces the rate at which program instructions that can be issued, which may increase run time for program segments which are sufficiently CPU-bound.
This again highlights why dynamic voltage scaling is generally done in conjunction with dynamic frequency scaling, at least for CPUs. There are complex tradeoffs to consider, which depend on the particular system, the load presented to it, and power management goals. When quick responses are needed, clocks and voltages might be raised together. Otherwise, they may both be kept low to maximize battery life.
Read more about this topic: Dynamic Voltage Scaling
Famous quotes containing the words program, execution and/or speed:
“The man who would change the name of Arkansas is the original, iron-jawed, brass-mouthed, copper-bellied corpse-maker from the wilds of the Ozarks! He is the man they call Sudden Death and General Desolation! Sired by a hurricane, damd by an earthquake, half-brother to the cholera, nearly related to the smallpox on his mothers side!”
—Administration in the State of Arka, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
“If I were asked to chose between execution and life in prison I would, of course, chose the latter. Its better to live somehow than not at all.”
—Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (18601904)
“Wait, Kate! You skate at such a rate
You leave behind your skating mate.
Your splendid speed wont you abate?
Hes lagging far behind you, Kate.”
—David Daiches (b. 1912)