Profile based optimization of processor operating points

Abstract

A program is executed with a first programmable device (). Device operating points such as power supply voltage and/or clock frequency are adapted dependent on the states reached by the device during execution. Operation of programs that may have been sold after the device has been supplied to users is optimized by executing the computer program on each of a plurality of programmable devices () like the first programmable device, and collecting statistical data associated with the execution states encountered during execution by the plurality of programmable devices (). Each of the plurality of programmable devices () collects its own statistical data and uploads the collected information to a common profiling apparatus (). The profiling apparatus assigns device operating points to respective ones of the execution states, using an optimization that depends on the combined statistical data from the plurality of programmable devices (). Subsequently the device operating points of the first programmable device () are set in the respective execution states to the assigned device operating points.