3D IC Switch Cell Layout for Virtual Power Gating

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Solution Overview

Problem

As semiconductor devices become smaller and more integrated, there is a growing need for power-saving technologies that can efficiently manage power consumption while maintaining performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a three-dimensional integrated circuit with a switch cell that outputs a virtual power voltage, allowing for efficient area utilization and reduced power consumption by selectively blocking power supply to logic circuits during sleep modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple interface circuits are operated simultaneously in active mode, then power consumption increases, but performance and functionality are improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface circuit operation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch cell dynamically changes its state between active and sleep modes based on operational requirements. The control signal selectively activates or deactivates the switch cell, allowing the interface circuit to transition between power-consuming active state and low-power sleep state, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit operates in periodic cycles of active mode and sleep mode. During active mode, the interface circuit processes data and communicates; during sleep mode, the switch cell blocks power supply to reduce leakage current. This periodic activation and deactivation resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If switch cells are added to control power supply, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch cell serves multiple functions: it acts as a power control element to block or supply power voltage, functions as a leakage current reduction mechanism during sleep mode, and enables dynamic power management for the interface circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving power management capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch cell is integrated within the interface circuit structure, with the switch cell nested between the power voltage supply and the interface circuit components. This nesting allows the power management function to be embedded within the existing circuit architecture rather than adding separate external control structures, thus improving adaptability while minimizing complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250157990A1Three-dimensional integrated circuit including switch cell

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A three-dimensional integrated circuit may include a first switch cell located on a first substrate within a first die among a plurality of stacked dies, and configured to output a virtual power voltage based on a power voltage received from the outside, a first interface module located on the first substrate, and configured to enter an active mode based on the virtual power voltage, and a second interface module located on a second substrate within a second die bonded to the first die among a plurality of dies, and configured to enter the active mode together with the first interface module based on the virtual power voltage.