Re: [PATCH v2 0/3] Clarify abstract scale usage for power values in Energy Model, EAS and IPA

["Rafael J. Wysocki" <rafael@kernel.org>]

On Wed, Oct 14, 2020 at 7:10 PM Daniel Lezcano
<daniel.lezcano@linaro.org> wrote:
>
> On 14/10/2020 17:24, Lukasz Luba wrote:
>
> [ ... ]
>
> > We have to update the EM doc about allowed abstract scale, which
> > implies EAS, IPA doc update with some information to the community that
> > these components can handle it.
> >
> > The script will just make developers life easier, but the current
> > documentation does not say anything about abstract scale.
>
> ... yes, because there is no consistency across the source of power
> numbers and no tools to ensure DT power numbers consistency, yet.
>
> >> In any case, if the DT is specifying real numbers, and SCMI abstract
> >> numbers or the opposite, obviously there is a conflict if we are using
> >> both.
> >
> > True, DT only allows real numbers (I have Rob's opinion regarding
> > patch 3/3).
> >
> > It's not that there is only SCMI which might use abstract scale. Qcom
> > already has it and other vendors will follow (not exposing real
> > numbers). They would register bogoWatts to EM because they know that EAS
> > can deal with both.
>
> So vendors are using bogoWatts, despite the documentation.
>
> By updating the documentation saying it supports the abstract values,
> that means every new framework, device with power values, will have to
> comply with that. How is it possible to add a device with power numbers
> if the existing ones are obfuscated ?
>
> With two subsystems using the energy model, evolving independently we
> can see there are conflicts. With more subsystems, that may become a
> source of confusion, especially with different contributors.
>
> I think the energy model should stick to milliwatts and keep the
> documentation unchanged regarding this. And vendors should take the
> responsibility of not sticking to the documentation.
>
> >> I suggest to fix the conflict first and provide the features to make the
> >> numbers more easy to share (like the script described above and/or the
> >> firmware file).
> >>
> >> Then with the right tools, everything can be documented.
> >>
> >
> > We cannot block one way of registration to EM when the other was used.
> > They might have correct and consistent numbers.
>
> What is the rational of using two firmware power information ?
>
> > It's up to the platform developers to choose the path:
> > - go with bogoWatts - if they are not allowed to expose sensitive
> >   information, use em_dev_register_perf_domain() in drivers, not DT;
> >   make sure everything that is needed works; check the doc, which
> >   sub-systems can handle it or needs some tuning (patches 1/3 and 2/3
> >   try to help here);
> > - use milliWatts - easier; DT is allowed; help from the community in
> >   reviews, possible results comparisons; both EM registration ways
> >   might be used;
> >
> > We cannot force vendors/OEM engineers to store milliWatts in the
> > Energy Model if these values are protected by some NDA.
>
> If I am able to measure one real power value, (and I'm pretty sure it is
> quite possible), whatever which one, it is possible to deduce all the
> numbers with the linear scale. IMO that is a false debate. Anyway ...
>
> > Your proposed
> > way of providing data into EM from user-space firmware.bin IMHO also
> > falls into the same bucket. That information would be accessible in EM
> > debugfs and they would avoid it.
>
> I think you misunderstood my point.
>
> There is the SCMI and the DT. Because there are two sources where it is
> impossible to know if they are using the same units, we are stuck to
> ensure a consistency for the kernel.
>
> The platform should use:
>  - the SCMI only (scaled or real)
>  - the DT only (real)
>  [ - the firmware file only (scaled or real) ]
>
>
> As it is not possible to know if they are scaled or real, there is no
> choice except making them mutually exclusive.
>
> From my POV, it is not adequate to let SCMI power information co-exists
> with the DT power information if we know they can be with different units.
>
> I've just expressed my opinions:
>
>  - vendors take responsibility of putting different units for the EM
>
>  - Power numbers should come from the same source
>
>
> Up to Rafael to decide what to do with this documentation update.

Well, I was hoping that you both would reach some kind of agreement.

I don't feel like the decision is mine here to be honest.