Automatic Voltage Control Circuit for Dynamic Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital circuit designs face challenges in managing clock frequency due to varying signal transmission speeds influenced by process variations, temperature, and supply voltage, leading to increased power consumption and larger circuit layouts, particularly in portable devices where battery life is a concern.
Innovation Solution
An automatic voltage control circuit and method that dynamically adjusts supply voltage by generating an oscillating signal, comparing its frequency with predetermined thresholds, and controlling a power supply unit to optimize voltage levels, thereby reducing power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If worst case analysis is used to guarantee circuit operation under varying conditions, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and circuit layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed voltage design to a dynamic voltage adjustment system. The circuit continuously monitors signal transmission speed and adjusts the supply voltage in real-time based on actual operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt rather than over-provision for worst-case scenarios, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on measured signal transmission speed. By monitoring actual performance metrics and adjusting voltage accordingly, the system optimizes the trade-off between reliability and power consumption, avoiding the need to maintain high voltage for all worst-case conditions when actual conditions may be more favorable
2Reliability
If worst case analysis is used to guarantee circuit operation under varying conditions, then reliability is improved, but circuit layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters (voltage) based on measured performance rather than designing for fixed worst-case conditions. This allows the circuit to achieve reliability through dynamic adaptation rather than through oversized static design margins, potentially reducing the required layout area
3Use of energy by moving object
If supply voltage is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but signal transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring signal transmission speed and using this information to adjust the supply voltage. The feedback loop ensures that voltage is reduced only when signal transmission speed remains within acceptable margins, automatically increasing voltage when speed degradation is detected, thus optimizing the balance between power consumption and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage based on real-time performance measurements rather than using a fixed voltage level. This dynamic approach allows the circuit to operate at lower voltages (and thus lower power) when conditions permit, while automatically recovering performance when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic voltage control circuit controls a power supply unit to adjust a supply voltage provided by the power supply unit. The automatic voltage control circuit includes an oscillating unit, a frequency-comparing unit, and a control unit. The oscillating unit generates an oscillating signal. The frequency-comparing unit compares the oscillating frequency of the oscillating signal with at least one predetermined threshold frequency. The control unit controls the power supply unit to adjust the supply voltage according to the comparing result generated by the frequency-comparing unit.