Circuit Function Power Bus Selection for Burst Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management techniques are not well-suited for high leakage technology used in mobile electronic devices, as they are software-dependent and slow, failing to effectively manage power consumption during burst operations, which are common in devices like modems and cellular phones.
Innovation Solution
The method involves multiple voltage levels for circuit functions, where each function analyzes its processing load and switches to a lower voltage and reduced clock frequency when necessary, allowing for rapid power management independent of software, thereby reducing overall power consumption and extending device operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional power management techniques are used, then power consumption can be managed, but the response speed is slow and software dependency reduces effectiveness during burst operations
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit function autonomously determines its own performance requirements and selects the appropriate power bus without software intervention. The circuit monitoring logic embedded within the circuit function enables self-assessment of performance needs and automatic switching between power buses, eliminating software dependency and achieving rapid response during burst operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is segmented into multiple independent power buses with different voltage levels, each serving specific performance requirements. The circuit function can independently select from these segmented power sources based on current needs, enabling granular control and fast response without requiring centralized software management.
2Productivity
If higher voltage is provided to meet performance requirements, then circuit function performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage level supplied to the circuit function by selecting from multiple power buses with different voltage levels. The circuit monitoring logic continuously assesses performance requirements and switches between voltage levels in real-time, providing high voltage only when necessary for burst operations and lower voltage during normal operation to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter by selecting from multiple power buses with different voltage levels (e.g., 1.0V, 1.2V, 1.8V). This allows the circuit function to operate at the minimum necessary voltage for current performance requirements, optimizing the balance between productivity and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to manage power in an electronic device having at least one circuit function is provided. The method includes: the at least one circuit function determining a current performance requirement of the at least one circuit function; and the at least one circuit function selecting at least one power bus from a plurality of power buses. Each power bus of the plurality of power buses has a different voltage and the selected at least one power bus provides the current performance requirement with a smallest amount of voltage relative to other one or ones of the plurality of power buses.