Clock Delay-Based Operating Speed Detection for Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor chips face challenges in efficiently adjusting operating speed and power consumption due to variations in manufacturing processes, temperature, and voltage, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods that rely on temperature sensors increasing manufacturing costs and chip size.
Innovation Solution
An operating speed detection apparatus that includes a delay block to generate delayed clock signals and a detection block to determine the operating speed, allowing for adjustments in clock signal frequency and voltage to optimize performance and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a temperature sensor is added to detect operating temperature, then power consumption control is improved, but manufacturing cost and chip size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature sensing function from a dedicated temperature sensor and integrates it into the existing delay block circuitry. The delay block's delay time naturally varies with temperature, allowing temperature detection without adding separate sensor components, thus reducing chip size while maintaining power consumption control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The delay block is designed to serve multiple functions: it delays the clock signal for frequency division, and simultaneously its delay time serves as a temperature indicator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated temperature sensing components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling power consumption control
2Speed
If semiconductor chip operating speed is increased, then processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the clock signal frequency based on detected operating temperature. The system continuously monitors temperature through the delay block's delay time variations and automatically modifies the clock frequency accordingly, creating a dynamic balance between processing performance and power consumption rather than using fixed operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the delay block's delay time (which reflects temperature) is detected and used to control the clock signal frequency. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adjustment of operating speed based on thermal conditions, optimizing the trade-off between performance and power consumption
3Productivity
If clock signal frequency is adjusted to optimize performance, then processing speed is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters (clock frequency) based on detected temperature conditions rather than using fixed parameters. By adjusting frequency according to actual thermal state, the system adapts to manufacturing variations and environmental conditions, maintaining reliable operation across different operating points without being constrained by conservative fixed-parameter design
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an operating speed detection apparatus, an operating speed detection apparatus and method thereof. In the example method, a received clock signal may be delayed to generate a plurality of delayed clock signals. A plurality of detection signals may be generated based on the plurality of delayed clock signals and the received clock signal. An operating speed (e.g., of a system) may be determined based at least in part on the plurality of detection signals. In an example, the example method may be performed by an operating speed detection apparatus. In another example, the example method may be performed by a system including the operating speed detection apparatus.