Adaptive Power Switch Delays for Faster Circuit Block Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power switch systems with fixed delays in power-up sequences are inefficient as they cannot dynamically adjust wake-up times based on the number of active circuit blocks, leading to suboptimal performance and longer wake-up times when other circuit blocks are active.
Innovation Solution
Implementing power switch devices with programmable delays, managed by a power switch manager that tracks the number of active circuit blocks to dynamically adjust the delay times of programmable power switch devices, allowing for optimized wake-up times based on the active count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fixed delays are used in power-up sequences, then inrush current management is simplified, but wake-up latency increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay time of power switches adjustable rather than fixed. The delay time is dynamically modified based on the number of simultaneously active circuit blocks, allowing the system to optimize wake-up latency for different operating conditions while managing inrush current effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay time parameter of power switches based on the active circuit block count. By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system achieves shorter wake-up times when more blocks are active (with better inrush current management capability) while maintaining simplicity through a systematic approach.
2Productivity
If delay times are dynamically adjusted based on active circuit blocks, then wake-up performance improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the power switch manager continuously monitor the number of active circuit blocks and use this information to adjust the delay times of power switches. This closed-loop control enables the system to automatically optimize wake-up performance based on real-time system state without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch manager automatically adjusts delay parameters based on system state, making the system self-regulating. The manager uses the active circuit block count to autonomously determine appropriate delay times, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual tuning while improving wake-up speed.
3Speed
If shorter wake-up times are used, then performance improves, but inrush current management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delay time parameter dynamically based on the number of active circuit blocks. When more blocks are active, the system can afford shorter delays (faster wake-up) because the distributed inrush current across multiple blocks is more manageable. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and inrush current management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts wake-up timing characteristics based on system conditions. By making the delay time variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize for speed when conditions permit (more active blocks) while maintaining inrush current control, effectively resolving the static contradiction between wake-up time and current management.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain aspects, an apparatus includes a first plurality of power switch devices. Each of the first plurality of power switch devices includes a delay line having a programmable time delay, and a power switch coupled between a supply rail and a circuit block, wherein the power switch has a control input coupled to the delay line. The apparatus also includes a switch manager configured to program the time delays of the delay lines in the first plurality of power switch devices based on a number of active circuit blocks in a system.