Adaptive Voltage Scaler Circuit for Dynamic Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in digital circuits face inefficiencies due to voltage margin consumption, as they often operate at higher voltage levels than necessary, especially with variations in manufacturing processes and environmental conditions, leading to increased power consumption without corresponding performance gains.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive Voltage Scalers (AVS) systems that dynamically adjust voltage levels based on target operating frequencies and delay variation conditions, using a database to store voltage levels for various frequencies and temperatures, allowing for real-time optimization to minimize voltage margin while maintaining proper circuit operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the voltage level is increased to maximize operating frequency, then circuit performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling by continuously monitoring actual circuit delay and adjusting the voltage level in real-time. The voltage scaler dynamically adapts the supply voltage to match the actual performance characteristics of the circuit, transitioning from static worst-case voltage settings to dynamic optimization based on measured delay variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter based on measured delay conditions. By measuring actual signal propagation delay and comparing it against target delay values, the system adjusts the voltage level to maintain optimal performance while minimizing power consumption, rather than operating at fixed voltage levels.
2Reliability
If the voltage level is set according to worst case delay scenarios, then circuit reliability is improved, but voltage margin is consumed leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual delay of the circuit is measured and fed back to the voltage scaler. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously adjust the voltage level based on actual performance, eliminating the need to operate at fixed worst-case voltage settings and thereby reducing voltage margin waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs self-characterization by measuring its own delay properties and using this information to determine the appropriate voltage level. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting its operating parameters based on its actual performance characteristics without external intervention.
3Productivity
If delay variations due to manufacturing and environmental conditions are accounted for, then circuit performance is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delay measurement circuit and voltage scaler as intermediary components that mediate between the functional circuit and the power supply. These intermediaries characterize the delay properties and translate them into appropriate voltage control signals, managing the complexity of handling manufacturing and environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary delay measurement and characterization before final voltage optimization. By pre-characterizing the circuit delay properties and storing this information, the system prepares the necessary data structures and control parameters in advance, simplifying the real-time voltage adjustment process.
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AI summary
Adaptive voltage scalers (AVSs), systems, and related methods are disclosed. The AVSs are configured to adaptively adjust voltage levels powering a functional circuit(s) based on target operating frequencies and delay variations to avoid or reduce voltage margin. In one embodiment, an AVS module is provided and coupled to a database. The database is configured to store voltage levels for various operating frequencies of a functional circuit(s) to avoid or reduce voltage margin. The database allows rapid voltage level decisions. In one embodiment, a voltage offset is added to a voltage level retrieved from the database corresponding to a target operating frequency of the functional circuit(s). In another embodiment, a voltage level is retrieved from the database corresponding to a target operating frequency for and temperature level of the functional circuit(s). The AVS module may be partially or fully controllable by software that consults the database to make voltage level decisions.