Chiplet Voltage Sensing With Dynamic Sense Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulator (VR) systems face challenges in optimizing output due to inaccurate sensing of voltage within a die, static sense point placement, and sensitivity to noise, leading to suboptimal power delivery and increased complexity in multiplexing analog remote sense signals.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves placing one or more sense points within the die and using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to digitize the sensed voltages, allowing for dynamic selection of the sense point based on workload and process variations, thereby improving the accuracy and adaptability of the feedback signal to the VR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sense points are placed externally to the die, then routing complexity is reduced, but voltage sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary ADC (analog-to-digital converter) component that bridges the gap between the external sense point and the VR. The ADC converts the analog voltage signal sensed externally into a digital signal, which is then processed by a sense point selection unit to determine the optimal sense point location. This intermediary conversion process allows external sensing while maintaining accuracy through digital processing and optimization.
2Device complexity
If a static sense point is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to workload variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sense point selection mechanism where the VR controller can identify and switch between multiple potential sense point locations based on real-time workload conditions and process variations. The sense point selection unit dynamically determines the optimal sense point from available options, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining a manageable device complexity through automated selection logic.
3Device complexity
If analog remote sense signals are used, then noise sensitivity is high, but signal processing complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional analog remote sense signal transmission with a digital signaling approach. The ADC converts the analog sense voltage into a digital signal that is then transmitted to the VR controller. This substitution of analog mechanics with digital processing significantly reduces noise sensitivity, as digital signals are inherently more robust against interference, while the overall signal processing complexity is managed through the automated sense point selection algorithm.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a chiplet or other die which includes multiple sense points within the die and components for digitizing and outputting sensed voltages of the sense points. In one approach, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is coupled to each sense point, and a multiplexer is coupled to the outputs of the ADCs. A select signal for the multiplexer can be received from an external control unit which selects one of the sense points based on information such as a current workflow of the die. The selected sense point can change as the workflow changes. The optimal sense point can be determined by comparing the voltage of each sense point and selecting the sense point with the lowest voltage. The sensed voltage is provided to a voltage regulator as a feedback signal to optimize control of the power supply of the die.