Clock Path Switching for Low-Power Semiconductor Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in reducing power consumption across various circuit states, particularly in high-frequency modes, as previous techniques fail to effectively manage power usage during high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device equipped with a clock adjustment circuit and a clock path selection circuit that dynamically adjusts the delay amount for each functional circuit and controls the clock path based on changes in operating states, using a VBB power supply voltage to reduce leakage current and optimize clock signal transmission paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a clock delay unit with multiple buffer stages is used to adjust clock delay, then the clock delay can be adjusted for high-frequency mode, but power consumption increases in low-frequency mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock path selection that adapts to different operating frequencies. A frequency detection circuit monitors the clock frequency and dynamically switches between a first clock path (through multiple buffer stages for high-frequency mode) and a second clock path (bypassing buffers for low-frequency mode), ensuring optimal power consumption for each operating condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the clock delay unit based on frequency conditions. By detecting frequency thresholds and adjusting which clock path is active, the system modifies the delay characteristics and power consumption parameters to match the current operating mode, reducing unnecessary buffer power consumption during low-frequency operation
2Device complexity
If a fixed clock path is used for all operating modes, then the circuit structure is simple, but power consumption cannot be optimized for different operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock transmission path into multiple independent routes: a first clock path containing sequential buffer stages for high-frequency operation, and a second clock path bypassing the buffers for low-frequency operation. A frequency detection circuit and switching mechanism segment the control logic to select the appropriate path based on operating conditions, enabling power optimization without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clock delay unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both high-frequency and low-frequency operating modes. The same clock delay unit can operate with buffers enabled (high-frequency mode) or disabled (low-frequency mode), making it adaptable to different operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes clock adjustment circuits, provided to a plurality of functional circuits operating in synchronization with a clock signal respectively for adjusting a delay amount for each functional circuit, and a clock path selection circuit for controlling whether a clock is transmitted to the functional circuits through any one of a plurality of paths included in the clock adjustment circuits respectively. In the semiconductor device, the clock path selection circuit outputs a path instruction signal for instructing switching of a path for transmitting a clock signal in accordance with a change in an operation state of a plurality of functional circuits.