Characterized-Path Circuit for Dynamic Voltage Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low voltage integrated circuits face a trade-off between power efficiency and operation frequency, as they consume less power but operate slower, limiting their frequency.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically adjustable circuit with a characterized-path is introduced, comprising a character control unit that monitors and adjusts external control signals based on the operation behavior of a second circuit with a character proportional to the first, allowing for dynamic adjustment of supply voltage and body bias voltage to meet timing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low voltage is applied to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but operation frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by introducing a character control unit that continuously monitors circuit characteristics and adjusts control signals in real-time. This allows the circuit to operate at low voltage for power efficiency while dynamically increasing voltage when timing requirements demand higher operation frequency, resolving the static trade-off between power consumption and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on circuit operation characteristics. By monitoring timing margins and adjusting control signals accordingly, the system transitions between different voltage states to optimize both power consumption and operation frequency according to actual circuit needs.
2Speed
If voltage is increased to maintain operation frequency, then operation frequency is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining high voltage continuously, the patent applies voltage increases only partially and only when necessary based on monitored circuit characteristics. The character control unit adjusts control signals selectively during clock periods when timing margins indicate potential failures, avoiding unnecessary power consumption while maintaining operation frequency only when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the character control unit monitors circuit operation characteristics and uses this information to adjust control signals dynamically. This closed-loop control ensures voltage is increased only when monitoring indicates timing requirements are at risk, optimizing the balance between operation frequency maintenance and power consumption reduction.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage adjustment is implemented, then power efficiency and operation frequency are optimized, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control function into a separate character control unit that operates independently from the main circuit logic. This modular approach allows dynamic voltage adjustment functionality to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire circuit, managing complexity by isolating the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The character control unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the circuit logic. It receives monitoring data from the circuit, processes timing margin information, and generates adjusted control signals, thereby mediating the complex interaction between power consumption and operation frequency without requiring direct modification of the main circuit architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit and a method are provided. An integrated circuit comprises a first circuit, with a first character and at least one external control signal, and a character control unit. The character control unit controls the at least one external control signal and has a second circuit, with a second character essentially proportional to the first character, a character adjuster for adjusting the at least one external control signal, and a character monitor for monitoring the operation behavior of the second circuit to control the character adjuster to adjust the at least one external control signal accordingly.