circuitry

Abstract

A circuit includes a voltage conversion unit from a power management unit library. The voltage conversion unit comprises a high-voltage domain subunit and a low-voltage domain subunit, wherein multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit are alternately connected to form a ring oscillator. The circuit includes a first control signal generation unit, a first selection output unit, a second control signal generation unit, and a second selection output unit. This invention enables efficient testing of the voltage conversion unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of semiconductor integrated circuits, and more particularly to a circuit. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of integrated circuits, the scale, integration density, and performance requirements of chips have reached unprecedented levels, making power consumption an increasingly prominent issue, especially with the widespread application of portable products. Power consumption can be mainly divided into two parts: dynamic power consumption caused by switching current and short-circuit current, and static power consumption caused by leakage current. Low-power technologies mainly include: process optimization, including the use of multi-threshold processes and power gating techniques; voltage optimization, including body bias, multiple voltages, and dynamic voltage regulation; hardware low-power optimization techniques, including clock gating and gate-level optimization; and low-power system / software optimization, including dynamic voltage and frequency scaling techniques, low-power operating systems, low-power compilers, and low-power software design.

[0003] The Power Management Kit (PMK) is a power gating technology used in conjunction with standard cell libraries for advanced low-power designs. Typically, a PMK includes power switch cells, isolation cells, high-to-low and low-to-high voltage level shifter cells, and data recovery cells.

[0004] After the power management unit library is designed, how to achieve efficient testing of the voltage conversion unit in the power management unit library becomes an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem solved by this invention is to provide a circuit for testing voltage conversion units in a power management unit library, so as to improve the testing efficiency of voltage conversion units in the power management unit library.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a circuit including a voltage conversion unit from a power management unit library. The voltage conversion unit comprises a high-voltage domain subunit and a low-voltage domain subunit. The high-voltage domain subunit includes multiple high-voltage conversion modules, and the low-voltage domain subunit includes multiple low-voltage conversion modules. The multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit are alternately connected to form a ring oscillator. The circuit includes:

[0007] The first control signal generation unit is adapted to generate and output a high-voltage selection control signal;

[0008] The first selection output unit is coupled to the output terminals of the first control signal generation unit and the multiple high voltage conversion modules in the high voltage domain subunit, respectively, and is adapted to output the high voltage output by the corresponding high voltage conversion module according to the received high voltage selection control signal.

[0009] The second control signal generation unit is adapted to generate and output a low-voltage selection control signal;

[0010] The second selection output unit is coupled to the output terminals of the second control signal generation unit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit, respectively, and is adapted to output the low voltage output by the corresponding low-voltage conversion module according to the received low-voltage selection control signal.

[0011] Optionally, the number of high-voltage conversion modules is the same as the number of low-voltage conversion modules, and the step of alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form a ring oscillator includes:

[0012] Multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form multiple levels. The output terminal of each high-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the low-voltage conversion module of the same level, the output terminal of each low-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the next high-voltage conversion module, and the output terminal of the lowest-level low-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the highest-level high-voltage conversion module through an inverting unit.

[0013] Optionally, the inverting unit includes an inverter.

[0014] Optionally, the high-voltage output cycle of the first selected output unit and the low-voltage output cycle of the second selected output unit are the same.

[0015] Optionally, the high-voltage output period of the first selected output unit and the low-voltage output period of the second selected output unit are related to the oscillation period of the ring oscillator.

[0016] Optionally, the oscillation period of the ring oscillator is related to the number and delay of the high-voltage conversion module and the low-voltage conversion module.

[0017] Optionally, the number of the high-voltage conversion module and the low-voltage conversion module are 10 to 20 respectively.

[0018] Optionally, the first selection output unit includes a multiplexer switch.

[0019] Optionally, the second selection output unit includes a multiplexer switch.

[0020] Optionally, the high-voltage selection control signal may be the same as or different from the low-voltage selection control signal.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0022] This invention provides a circuit comprising a voltage conversion unit in a power management unit library. The voltage conversion unit includes a high-voltage domain subunit and a low-voltage domain subunit. The high-voltage domain subunit includes multiple high-voltage conversion modules, and the low-voltage domain subunit includes multiple low-voltage conversion modules. The multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit are alternately connected to form a ring oscillator. The circuit includes: a first control signal generation unit, adapted to generate and output a high-voltage selection control signal; a first selection output unit, coupled to the output terminals of the first control signal generation unit and the multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit, adapted to output the high voltage output from the corresponding high-voltage conversion module according to the received high-voltage selection control signal; a second control signal generation unit, adapted to generate and output a low-voltage selection control signal; and a second selection output unit, coupled to the output terminals of the second control signal generation unit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit, adapted to output the low voltage output from the corresponding low-voltage conversion module according to the received low-voltage selection control signal.

[0023] It can be seen that by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form a ring oscillator, and by setting up a first control signal generation unit, a first selection output unit, a second control signal generation unit, and a second selection output unit, the simultaneous testing of multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit can be achieved, thus improving the testing efficiency of the voltage conversion unit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a voltage conversion unit is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a ring oscillator formed by alternating connections of multiple high-voltage conversion modules of the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit according to the technical solution of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure according to the technical solution of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 4The diagram shows waveforms of the high-voltage signal output from the output terminals of multiple high-voltage conversion modules of the high-voltage domain subunit and the low-voltage signal output from the output terminals of multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit in the circuit according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] As can be seen from the background technology, after the power management unit library is designed, how to achieve efficient testing of the voltage conversion unit in the power management unit library becomes an urgent problem to be solved.

[0029] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a circuit comprising a voltage conversion unit in a power management unit library. The voltage conversion unit includes a high-voltage domain subunit and a low-voltage domain subunit. The high-voltage domain subunit includes multiple high-voltage conversion modules, and the low-voltage domain subunit includes multiple low-voltage conversion modules. The multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit are alternately connected to form a ring oscillator. The circuit includes: a first control signal generation unit, adapted to generate and output a high-voltage selection control signal; a first selection output unit, coupled to the first control signal generation unit and the output terminals of the multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit, adapted to output the high voltage output from the corresponding high-voltage conversion module according to the received high-voltage selection control signal; a second control signal generation unit, adapted to generate and output a low-voltage selection control signal; and a second selection output unit, coupled to the second control signal generation unit and the output terminals of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit, adapted to output the low voltage output from the corresponding low-voltage conversion module according to the received low-voltage selection control signal.

[0030] It can be seen that by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form a ring oscillator, and by setting up a first control signal generation unit, a first selection output unit, a second control signal generation unit, and a second selection output unit, it is possible to simultaneously test multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit, thus improving the testing efficiency of the voltage conversion unit.

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] To facilitate understanding, the voltage conversion unit in the embodiments of the present invention will be introduced first.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a voltage conversion unit is shown. See also... Figure 1A voltage conversion unit (not indicated) includes a high-voltage domain subunit 100 and a low-voltage domain subunit 200. The high-voltage domain subunit 100 includes multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N, and the low-voltage domain subunit 200 includes multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0034] In the high voltage domain subunit 100, each high voltage conversion module 10I (I is an integer greater than 1 and less than or equal to N) has an input terminal and an output terminal, and each high voltage conversion module 10I is used to convert the low voltage signal received at the input terminal into a high voltage signal and output it.

[0035] In the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200, each low-voltage conversion module 20I (I is an integer greater than 1 and less than or equal to N) has an input terminal and an output terminal, and each low-voltage conversion module 20I is used to convert the high-voltage signal received at the input terminal into a low-voltage signal and output it.

[0036] The number of high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the number of low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 can be set according to actual needs. As an example, the number of high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the number of low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 are 10 to 20 levels respectively.

[0037] In this embodiment, among the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100, the design input signal voltage of each high-voltage conversion module 10I is the same, and the design output signal voltage of each high-voltage conversion module 10I is also the same. Similarly, among the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200, the design input signal voltage of each low-voltage conversion module 20I is the same, and the design output signal voltage of each low-voltage conversion module 20I is also the same.

[0038] Furthermore, the voltage of the design input signal of the high-voltage conversion module 10I is the same as the voltage of the design output signal of the low-voltage conversion module 20I, and the voltage of the design output signal of the high-voltage conversion module 10I is the same as the voltage of the design input signal of the low-voltage conversion module 20I.

[0039] Based on this, in this embodiment, in order to simultaneously test the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 in the voltage conversion unit, the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 are alternately connected to form a ring oscillator.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a ring oscillator formed by alternating connections of multiple high-voltage conversion modules of the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] See Figure 2 Specifically, in forming a ring oscillator by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200, the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence to form multiple levels, such that the output terminal of the high-voltage conversion module 10I of each level in the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 is connected to the low-voltage converter of the corresponding level in the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200. The input terminal of the conversion module 20I is coupled so that the output terminal of each low-voltage conversion module 20I in the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 is coupled to the input terminal of the next level high-voltage conversion module 10(I+1) in the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100. The output terminal of the lowest level low-voltage conversion module 20N in the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 is coupled to the input terminal of the highest level high-voltage conversion module 101 in the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100 through the inverting unit 305, forming a ring oscillator.

[0042] In this embodiment, the inverting unit 305 is used to adjust the number of stages of the ring oscillator to an odd number. Specifically, in the ring oscillator, the total number of multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 is 2N, which is an even number. The addition of the inverting unit 305 makes the number of stages of the ring oscillator odd, thereby enabling the ring oscillator to meet the oscillation conditions and allowing the ring oscillator to work normally.

[0043] In this embodiment, the inverting unit 305 is an inverter. Specifically, the input terminal of the inverter is coupled to the output terminal of the lowest-level low-voltage conversion module 20N among the plurality of low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200, and the output terminal of the inverter is coupled to the input terminal of the highest-level high-voltage conversion module 101 among the plurality of high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high-voltage domain subunit 100.

[0044] The ring oscillator formed by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 can simultaneously test the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 during subsequent testing of the voltage conversion unit, thereby improving the testing efficiency of the voltage conversion unit.

[0045] Meanwhile, a ring oscillator formed by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 ensures that the input voltage signals and voltage domains of the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 are the same as those in actual applications, thereby improving the accuracy of voltage conversion unit testing.

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure according to the technical solution of the present invention is shown. (Refer to reference...) Figures 1 to 3 A circuit for testing voltage conversion units in a power management unit library, the circuit 400 including a first control signal generation unit 310, a first selection output unit 320, a second control signal generation unit 330, and a second selection output unit 340.

[0047] The system includes a first control signal generation unit 310, adapted to generate and output a high-voltage selection control signal; a first selection output unit 320, coupled to the output terminals of the first control signal generation unit 310 and multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101-10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100, adapted to output the high voltage output from the corresponding high-voltage conversion module 10I according to the received high-voltage selection control signal; a second control signal generation unit 330, adapted to generate and output a low-voltage selection control signal; and a second selection output unit 340, coupled to the second control signal generation unit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201-20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200, adapted to output the low voltage output from the corresponding low-voltage conversion module 20I according to the received low-voltage selection control signal.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first control signal generation unit 310 has a control signal output terminal, and the control signal output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310 is coupled to the first selection output unit 320. The first control signal generation unit 310 is used to generate a high-voltage selection control signal HSEL and output it to the first selection output unit 320.

[0049] In this embodiment, the high voltage selection control signal HSEL output by the first control signal generation unit 310 changes sequentially within a certain range.

[0050] In this embodiment, the high-voltage selection control signal is HSEL[0:M-1]. Specifically, the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] includes M level control signals, and the level control signal of each bit can switch between the first logic state and the second logic state, so that the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] can change sequentially within a certain range.

[0051] As an example, in the initial state, all M bits of the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] are in the first logic state, and the M bits of the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] can be sequentially changed from the first logic state to the second logic state in order from the least significant bit to the most significant bit, thereby enabling the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] to change sequentially within a certain range. The first logic state is "0", and the second logic state is "1".

[0052] Correspondingly, the control signal output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310 includes M control signal output pins, each of which is used to output the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1].

[0053] As an example, the first control signal output pin in the control signal output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310 is used to output the level control signal of the first position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1], the second control signal output pin in the output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310 is used to output the level control signal of the second position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1], ..., the Mth control signal output pin in the output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310 is used to output the level control signal of the Mth position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1].

[0054] In this embodiment, the number of changes in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] output by the first control signal generation unit 310 is related to the number N of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0055] Specifically, each level control signal in the M-bit level control signal of the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] switches between the first logic state and the second logic state, so that the number of integer variables in the range of integer variable values ​​of the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] can be greater than or equal to the number N of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100, thereby enabling the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] to correspond one-to-one with the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0056] Therefore, the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] increases or decreases sequentially within a certain range, so that the first selection output unit 320 can sequentially couple the output terminals of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100 to its own output terminal, thereby enabling selective output of the output voltage signals of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0057] For example, if the number N of the high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high voltage domain subunit 100 is 16, then M in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] is equal to 4. Accordingly, the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] can vary between 0000 and 1111, so that the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] corresponds one-to-one with the high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N in the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0058] As an example, the M-bit level control signal in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] is sequentially converted from the first logic state to the second logic state in order from the low bit to the high bit, thereby achieving the control purpose of selectively outputting the output voltage signals of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100 through the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1].

[0059] As an example, the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] is either the first logic state "0" or the second logic state "1".

[0060] Correspondingly, the initial values ​​of the level control signals of the corresponding bits in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] are all in the first logic state "0". Accordingly, the first control signal generation unit 310 controls the level control signals of the corresponding bits in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] to be converted from the first logic state "0" to the second logic state "1" in order from low bit to high bit, so that the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] changes in sequence, thereby enabling the first selection output unit 320 to selectively output the output voltage signals of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0061] In other embodiments, the M-bit level control signal in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] can also be sequentially converted from the second logic state to the first logic state in order from the high bit to the low bit, so that the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] decreases sequentially, thereby enabling the first selection output unit 320 to selectively output the output voltage signals of the multiple high voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high voltage domain subunit 100.

[0062] The first control signal generation unit 310 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other control components that can be used to generate selection control signals, without limitation.

[0063] The first selection output unit 320 has a control signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. The control signal input terminal of the first selection output unit 320 is coupled to the signal output terminal of the first control signal generation unit 310. The signal output terminal of the first selection output unit 320 is used for selective output of the output voltage signals output by the output terminals of the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100. The first selection output unit 320 is used to receive the high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1] output by the first control signal generation unit 310, and according to the received high-voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1], couple the output terminal of the corresponding high-voltage conversion module 10I among the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100 with its own output terminal, thereby realizing selective output of the output voltage signals output by the output terminals of the multiple high-voltage conversion modules 101 to 10N of the high-voltage domain subunit 100.

[0064] The control signal input / output terminal of the first selection output unit 320 includes M control signal input pins, each of which is used to receive the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1].

[0065] As an example, the first control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the first selection output unit 320 is used to receive the level control signal of the first position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1], the second control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the first selection output unit 320 is used to receive the level control signal of the second position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1], ..., the Mth control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the first selection output unit 320 is used to receive the level control signal of the Mth position in the high voltage selection control signal HSEL[0:M-1].

[0066] In this embodiment, the first selection output unit 320 is a multiplexer (MUX). In other alternative embodiments, the first selection output unit can also be implemented using other structures with the same function, which are not limited here.

[0067] The second control signal generation unit 330 has a control signal output terminal, and the control signal output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330 is coupled to the second selection output unit 340. The second control signal generation unit 330 is used to generate a low-voltage selection control signal LSEL and output it to the second selection output unit 340.

[0068] In this embodiment, the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL output by the second control signal generation unit 330 changes sequentially within a certain range.

[0069] In this embodiment, the low-voltage selection control signal is LSEL[0:M-1]. Specifically, the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] includes M-bit level control signals, and the level control signal of each bit can switch between the first logic state and the second logic state, so that the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] can change sequentially within a certain range.

[0070] As an example, in the initial state, all M bits of the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] are in the first logic state, and the M bits of the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] can be sequentially changed from the first logic state to the second logic state in order from the least significant bit to the most significant bit, thereby enabling the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] to change sequentially within a certain range. The first logic state is "0", and the second logic state is "1".

[0071] Correspondingly, the control signal output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330 includes M control signal output pins, each of which is used to output the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1].

[0072] As an example, the first control signal output pin in the control signal output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330 is used to output the level control signal of the first bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], the second control signal output pin in the output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330 is used to output the level control signal of the second bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], ..., the Mth control signal output pin in the output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330 is used to output the level control signal of the Mth bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1].

[0073] In this embodiment, the number of changes in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] output by the second control signal generation unit 330 is related to the number N of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0074] Specifically, in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], each level control signal of the M-bit level control signal switches between the first logic state and the second logic state, so that the number of changes in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] can be greater than or equal to the number N of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200, thereby enabling the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] to correspond one-to-one with the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0075] Therefore, the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] increases or decreases sequentially within a certain range, so that the second selection output unit 340 can sequentially couple the output terminals of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 to its own output terminal, thereby enabling selective output of the output voltage signals of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0076] For example, if the number N of the low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200 is 16, then M in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] is equal to 4. Accordingly, the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] can vary between 0000 and 1111, so that the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] corresponds one-to-one with the high-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N in the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0077] As an example, the M-bit level control signal in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] is sequentially converted from the first logic state to the second logic state in order from the low bit to the high bit, thereby achieving the control purpose of selectively outputting the output voltage signals of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 through the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1].

[0078] As an example, the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] is either the first logic state "0" or the second logic state "1".

[0079] Correspondingly, the initial values ​​of the level control signals of the corresponding bits in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] are all in the first logic state "0". Accordingly, the second control signal generation unit 330 controls the level control signals of the corresponding bits in the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] to be converted from the first logic state "0" to the second logic state "1" in order from the least significant bit to the most significant bit. This causes the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] to change in sequence, thereby enabling the second selection output unit 340 to selectively output the output voltage signals of the multiple low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0080] In other embodiments, the level control signal of the M bits in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] can also be sequentially converted from the second logic state to the first logic state in order from the high bit to the low bit, so that the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] decreases sequentially, thereby enabling the second selection output unit to selectively output the output voltage signals of the output terminals of the multiple low voltage conversion modules of the low voltage domain subunit.

[0081] It should be noted that the high-voltage selection control signal and the low-voltage selection control signal can be the same or different. Those skilled in the art can set them according to actual needs. As long as the set high-voltage selection control signal and low-voltage selection control signal can respectively realize the selective output of the output voltage signal from the output terminals of multiple high-voltage conversion modules of the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit, there are no restrictions here.

[0082] The second control signal generation unit 330 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other control components that can be used to generate selection control signals, without limitation.

[0083] The second selection output unit 340 has a control signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. The control signal input terminal of the second selection output unit 340 is coupled to the signal output terminal of the second control signal generation unit 330. The signal output terminal of the second selection output unit 340 selectively outputs the output voltage signals output by the output terminals of the plurality of low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200. The second selection output unit 340 is used to receive the low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1] output by the second control signal generation unit 330, and according to the received low-voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], couples the output terminal of the corresponding low-voltage conversion module 20I among the plurality of low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200 with its own output terminal, thereby realizing the selective output of the output voltage signals output by the output terminals of the plurality of low-voltage conversion modules 201 to 20N of the low-voltage domain subunit 200.

[0084] The control signal input / output terminal of the second selection output unit 340 includes M control signal input pins, each of which is used to receive the level control signal of the corresponding bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1].

[0085] As an example, the first control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the second selection output unit 340 is used to receive the level control signal of the first bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], the second control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the second selection output unit 340 is used to receive the level control signal of the second bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1], ..., the Mth control signal input pin in the control signal input terminal of the second selection output unit 340 is used to receive the level control signal of the Mth bit sequence in the low voltage selection control signal LSEL[0:M-1].

[0086] In this embodiment, the second selection output unit 340 is a multiplexer (MUX). In other alternative embodiments, the second selection output unit can also be implemented using other structures with the same function, which are not limited here.

[0087] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates waveforms of the high-voltage signals output from the output terminals of multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and the low-voltage signals output from the output terminals of multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit, according to the technical solution of the present invention. See also... Figure 4 As an example, if the high voltage HVDD_OUT output from the multiple high-voltage conversion modules of the high-voltage domain subunit is 1.0 volt (V) and the low voltage LVDD_OUT output from the multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit is 0.8V, it indicates that the voltage conversion unit is functioning normally. Conversely, it indicates that the voltage conversion unit is malfunctioning.

[0088] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A circuit comprising a voltage conversion unit in a power management unit library, the voltage conversion unit comprising a high-voltage domain subunit and a low-voltage domain subunit, the high-voltage domain subunit comprising a plurality of high-voltage conversion modules, and the low-voltage domain subunit comprising a plurality of low-voltage conversion modules, characterized in that, The circuit comprises a ring oscillator formed by alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit, wherein the circuit includes: The first control signal generation unit is adapted to generate and output a high-voltage selection control signal; The first selection output unit is coupled to the output terminals of the first control signal generation unit and the multiple high voltage conversion modules in the high voltage domain subunit, respectively, and is adapted to output the high voltage output by the corresponding high voltage conversion module according to the received high voltage selection control signal. The second control signal generation unit is adapted to generate and output a low-voltage selection control signal; The second selection output unit is coupled to the output terminals of the second control signal generation unit and the multiple low-voltage conversion modules of the low-voltage domain subunit, respectively, and is adapted to output the low voltage output by the corresponding low-voltage conversion module according to the received low-voltage selection control signal.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of high-voltage conversion modules is the same as the number of low-voltage conversion modules. The step of alternately connecting multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit and multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form a ring oscillator includes: Multiple high-voltage conversion modules in the high-voltage domain subunit are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple low-voltage conversion modules in the low-voltage domain subunit to form multiple levels. The output terminal of each high-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the low-voltage conversion module of the same level, the output terminal of each low-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the next high-voltage conversion module, and the output terminal of the lowest-level low-voltage conversion module is coupled to the input terminal of the highest-level high-voltage conversion module through an inverting unit.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inverting unit includes an inverter.

4. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage output cycle of the first selected output unit is the same as the low-voltage output cycle of the second selected output unit.

5. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage output period of the first selected output unit and the low-voltage output period of the second selected output unit are related to the oscillation period of the ring oscillator.

6. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillation period of the ring oscillator is related to the number and delay of the high-voltage conversion module and the low-voltage conversion module.

7. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of high-voltage conversion modules and low-voltage conversion modules are 10 to 20 each.

8. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first selection output unit includes a multiplexer switch.

9. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second selection output unit includes a multiplexer switch.

10. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage selection control signal may be the same as or different from the low-voltage selection control signal.

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