Multi-Power-Domain Amplifier Body Biasing for Leakage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In analog circuitry with multiple power domains, leakage currents occur when one power domain enters a sleep state, and existing solutions that insert switching elements into signal transmission paths are not suitable for all cases, posing a challenge in effectively reducing these currents without disrupting signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The circuitry incorporates a switching circuit with transistors and switches that allow the body voltage of a transistor to be connected to either the supply voltage or a reference voltage, preventing leakage currents by maintaining the parasitic diode in a reverse-biased state when a power domain is in sleep mode, using detection circuits to control these switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If switching elements are inserted into signal transmission paths to prevent leakage currents, then leakage current reduction is achieved, but signal transmission path integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the switching element from the signal transmission path and places it only in the power supply path. Specifically, a switching element is inserted between the power domain and the circuit block to control power supply, while the signal transmission path remains uninterrupted. This allows leakage current prevention without compromising signal transmission integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a power domain as an intermediary layer between the power source and circuit blocks. The power domain contains switching elements that control power distribution to multiple circuit blocks, enabling centralized leakage current management without affecting signal paths between circuit blocks.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power domains stop generating supply voltage to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but leakage current from active circuit blocks affects sleep circuit blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power distribution system into multiple independent power domains, each capable of independently controlling power supply to specific circuit blocks. Each power domain has its own switching elements that can be controlled based on the operational state of served circuit blocks, enabling precise power management and leakage current isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power domain acts as an intermediary that isolates active circuit blocks from sleep circuit blocks. By placing switching elements within each power domain, the system can prevent leakage current from active blocks from affecting sleep blocks, while maintaining independent power control for each domain.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces leakage currents between circuit blocks without breaking the signal transmission path, ensuring power savings and maintaining stable voltage levels, even when power domains switch between active and sleep states.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining the parasitic diode in a reverse-biased state when a power domain is in sleep mode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuitry applied to multiple power domains. An amplifier of the circuitry includes an output stage and a switching circuit. The output stage includes a first transistor and a second transistor, wherein the first transistor is coupled between a supply voltage and an output terminal, the second transistor is coupled between the output terminal and a ground voltage. The switching circuit is configured to choose a body of the first transistor from the supply voltage or a reference voltage.