Hi all,
This patch set adds new callback and support for artificial Energy Model (EM).
The new EMs have artificially generated performance states.
Such EMs can be created from lean information sources, such
as the relative energy efficiency between CPUs. The ACPI based
platforms provide this information
(ACPI 6.4, s5.2.12.14 'GIC CPU Interface (GICC) Structure'
'Processor Power efficiency Class' field).
Artificial EMs might require to directly provide the 'cost' of
the generated performance state. This patch set adds a new callback
.get_cost() for this. The EM framework does not force any model
or formula, it's up to the platform code.
Artificial EMs aim to leverage the Energy Aware Scheduler
(EAS). Other frameworks relying on performance states
information (i.e. IPA/DTPM) must be informed of the
EM type and might be prevented from using it. This patch
sets also does this by introducing a new flag:
EM_PERF_DOMAIN_ARTIFICIAL.
The patch set is based on current linux-next, where some
changes to OPP & EM are queuing.
The patch set also contains (patch 7/8 and patch 8/8) logic which prevents
two EM's client frameworks from using this new EM type. Some other approach,
using 'milli-watts', has been proposed and discussed, but refused [1].
This new flag is more precised and should not leave space for
wrong interpretation.
Shortly after this patch set you will see a patch set implementing the
platform code and registering this new EM.