ASIC Voltage Regulation via Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage regulation techniques for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) are inefficient due to reliance on fixed voltage levels, which lead to excessive power consumption, and existing solutions either require additional complex integrated circuits or occupy excessive space on circuit boards, especially in applications with many ASICs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method where an ASIC includes a signal source and a modulator that generates a repeating signal with characteristics indicative of the optimal voltage level, which is communicated to a voltage regulator via a single conductive path, allowing the regulator to adjust the voltage for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed voltage levels are used to power ASICs, then the voltage regulation is simple, but the power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by allowing the ASIC to communicate its optimal voltage requirements through a repeating signal with variable characteristics (frequency, duty cycle, or phase). The voltage regulator continuously adjusts the output voltage based on these dynamic signal characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to changing power requirements while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the ASIC monitors the voltage level and communicates its optimal voltage requirements back to the voltage regulator through a repeating signal. The regulator uses this feedback information to adjust its output, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power delivery based on actual ASIC needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VID bits with 8 parallel lines are used to communicate voltage information, then the voltage regulation can be adjusted, but the circuit board area is substantially occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage identification bits into a single repeating signal communication channel. Instead of using 8 separate parallel lines for VID bits, the system encodes voltage level information in the characteristics (frequency, duty cycle, or phase) of a single repeating signal, dramatically reducing the number of required conductors and circuit board area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from multiple discrete voltage lines to a single signal with variable characteristics. By encoding voltage level information in the frequency, duty cycle, or phase of a repeating signal, the system maintains full voltage adjustment capability while using far fewer physical conductors.
3Productivity
If a third IC is used to fetch and convert voltage information, then the voltage regulation can be optimized, but the device complexity and circuit board area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage information communication function from a separate third IC and integrates it directly into the ASIC. The ASIC itself generates and communicates its optimal voltage requirements through the repeating signal, eliminating the need for an external voltage identification device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ASIC multi-functional by enabling it to both consume power and communicate its voltage requirements through the same device. The ASIC serves dual purposes: as the load consuming power and as the controller specifying its power needs, eliminating the need for dedicated separate control components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to regulate voltage used to power an ASIC comprising an ASIC having a signal source and a modulator. The modulator establishes a characteristic of a signal created by the signal source to indicate a voltage level to be used to power the ASIC. The signal is communicated to a voltage regulator to apply an optimal voltage to the ASIC.