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Spatially-resolved imaging of microprocessor power (SIMP): Hotspots in microprocessors

  • IBM

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we present the details of a new technique, which allows for spatially-resolved imaging of microprocessor power (SIMP) under full operational conditions. The method involves two steps: In the first step it utilizes infra-red (IR) thermal imaging, while an IR-transparent coolant flows through a specially designed cooling cell directly over the microprocessor. In the second step the underlying power distribution is derived by determining the temperature fields for each individual power source on the chip. The measured chip temperature distribution is then represented as a superposition of these temperature fields. The SIMP data reveals significant temporal and spatial variations of the microprocessor power/temperature distribution, which can be attributed to the circuit layout as well as to the varying utilization levels across the processor while running real workloads. More specifically, strong non-uniformities or hotspots in the microprocessor power distributions are observed, which have significant implications for packaging and cooling designs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTenth Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena and Emerging Technologies in Electronic Systems, ITherm 2006
Pages121-125
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Event10th Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena and Emerging Technologies in Electronic Systems, ITherm 2006 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: May 30 2006Jun 2 2006

Publication series

NameThermomechanical Phenomena in Electronic Systems -Proceedings of the Intersociety Conference
Volume2006

Conference

Conference10th Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena and Emerging Technologies in Electronic Systems, ITherm 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period05/30/0606/2/06

Keywords

  • High power density chips
  • Hotspots
  • Microprocessor power
  • Package design
  • Thermal management

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