System and method for executing tasks according to a selected scenario in response to probabilistic power consumption information of each scenario

Abstract

A distributed processing system () includes a plurality of processing modules, such as MPUs (), DSPs (), and coprocessors/DMA channels (). Power management software () in conjunction with profiles () for the various processing modules and the tasks to executed are used to build scenarios which meet predetermined power objectives, such as providing maximum operation within package thermal constraints or using minimum energy. Actual activities associated with the tasks are monitored during operation to ensure compatibility with the objectives. The allocation of tasks may be changed dynamically to accommodate changes in environmental conditions and changes in the task list.