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:
“Music is so much a part of their daily lives that if an Indian visits another reservation one of the first questions asked on his return is: What new songs did you learn?”
—Federal Writers Project Of The Wor, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
“Union of Religious Sentiments begets a surprising confidence and Ecclesiastical Establishments tend to great ignorance and corruption, all of which facilitate the Execution of Mischievous Projects.”
—James Madison (17511836)
“Life is too short to waste
In critic peep or cynic bark,
Quarrel or reprimand:
Twill soon be dark;
Up, heed thine own aim, and
God speed the mark!”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)