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Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling

A power management technique where the voltage and clock frequency of a processor are adjusted on the fly based on workload.

AbbreviationDVFS
Categoryhardware

Overview

DVFS allows a processor to provide high performance when needed and save power when the workload is light. It is the foundation of 'Boost' or 'Turbo' clocks in modern CPUs.

Mechanism

  • High Load: Increase frequency for speed; requires increasing voltage to maintain stability.
  • Low Load: Decrease frequency to save power; allows decreasing voltage, which provides exponential power savings (Power ∝ V²f).

Importance

DVFS is critical for balancing performance, battery life, and heat generation in everything from smartphones to data center servers.

Related Terms

Clock GatingPower Gating