Charge Pump Voltage Conversion for Low Power IC Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern integrated circuits (ICs) face increased power consumption due to the growing number of transistors and devices, leading to a drain on power sources, even in devices with a modest number of components.
Innovation Solution
The use of a charge pump to convert a first supply voltage to a second, lower supply voltage, allowing for a low-power operating mode with reduced power consumption by powering specific circuits with the converted voltage, thereby optimizing power usage in both normal and sleep modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of transistors and devices in modern ICs is increased to enhance functionality, then the system complexity and capability are improved, but the power consumption increases leading to a drain on the power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the system to switch between different operating modes (normal mode and low-power mode) based on functional requirements. The charge pump dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to circuits, providing full voltage when high performance is needed and reduced voltage when lower performance suffices, thereby adapting power consumption to actual system needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter supplied to different circuits based on their power requirements. By using a charge pump to generate multiple voltage levels from a single power source, the system can supply appropriate voltage levels to different circuit blocks, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary functionality in critical circuits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a charge pump is used to convert supply voltage to enable low-power mode operation, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate in bypass mode to provide full supply voltage to all circuits, or switch to voltage conversion mode to provide reduced voltage to specific circuits for low-power operation. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both normal and low-power operating modes without requiring separate power supply circuits for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump acts as an intermediary power conversion device between the main power source and the circuits requiring reduced voltage. It mediates the power delivery by converting the main supply voltage to appropriate lower voltage levels, enabling fine-grained power control to different circuit blocks without directly modifying the main power source or requiring complex point-by-point voltage regulation in each circuit.
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 achieves efficient power management by reducing power consumption in low-power modes while maintaining functionality, with the charge pump providing a transformer effect that enhances power conversion efficiency and minimizes current draw from the power source.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump adapted to convert a first supply voltage of the apparatus to a second supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first set of circuits adapted to operate in a first mode of operation of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a second set of circuits adapted to operate in a second mode of operation of the apparatus, where a power consumption of the apparatus is lower in the second mode of operation of the apparatus than in the first mode of operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a charge pump adapted to convert a first supply voltage of the apparatus to a second supply voltage, and the second supply voltage powers the second set of circuits.