Adaptive Voltage Scaling IC with Ring Oscillator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently regulating supply voltages based on performance metrics, as they rely on external voltage regulators that lack adaptive feedback mechanisms to adjust voltages dynamically in response to operational circuit module performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with adaptive voltage scaling modules that include performance monitoring and voltage feedback generation capabilities, allowing for real-time adjustment of supply voltages through feedback signals based on performance indicators, such as those from digital ring oscillators or high sensitivity ring oscillators, to optimize voltage levels and meet performance targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external voltage regulators are used to supply voltages to electronic devices, then voltage regulation is provided, but the regulators lack adaptive feedback mechanisms to adjust voltages dynamically in response to operational circuit module performance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where performance monitoring modules within the integrated circuit generate indicators based on operational characteristics (such as delay values from ring oscillators), and adaptive voltage scaling modules use these indicators to dynamically adjust supply voltages. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptive voltage scaling without requiring complex external regulation circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of supply voltages through internal performance monitoring modules and adaptive voltage scaling modules. The circuit autonomously generates performance indicators and uses them to regulate its own power supply, eliminating the need for complex external adaptive regulation systems.
2Ease of operation
If analog voltage feedback is provided over a single connecting pin, then voltage regulation is achieved, but digital feedback requiring two or more pins is needed for IR drop indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single connecting pin universal by enabling it to carry both analog voltage feedback signals and digital feedback signals through time-division multiplexing. The feedback controller can switch between receiving analog voltage information and digital status information (such as IR drop indicators) over the same physical interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins for each feedback type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between analog and digital feedback modes over the single connecting pin. The feedback controller periodically switches between sampling analog voltage levels and receiving digital feedback packets, allowing both types of information to be transmitted sequentially through the same interface without permanent loss of functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes an operational circuit module receiving a supply voltage from a voltage regulator external to the integrated circuit, and an adaptive voltage scaling module to adjust the supply voltage based on performance characteristics of the operational circuit module. The adaptive voltage scaling module can include a performance monitoring module disposed on the integrated circuit and configured to generate at least an indicator corresponding to at least one performance characteristic of the operational circuit module. The adaptive scaling module can include a voltage requirement determination and voltage feedback generator module disposed on the integrated circuit and coupled to the performance monitoring module. The voltage requirement determination and voltage feedback generator module is configured to output a feedback voltage signal having a voltage level as a function of at least the indicator. The voltage regulator can regulate the supply voltage as a function of the feedback voltage signal.