Common Bias Control Using Ring Oscillators Across Uncorrelated Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices with uncorrelated power supplies face performance issues due to the application of a common bias that is beneficial for one circuit but not the other, leading to suboptimal overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with a programmable ring oscillator and control logic dynamically adjusts p-well and n-well voltages based on the oscillating signal to replicate the logic depth of both circuits, optimizing the common bias for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common bias is applied to both circuits powered by uncorrelated power supplies, then the bias can be simplified and generated by a single bias generator, but the performance is suboptimal because the bias beneficial for one circuit is not beneficial for the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the common bias adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The bias generator dynamically adjusts the bias voltage levels based on feedback from ring oscillators that monitor the operational speed of each circuit. This allows the system to optimize performance for both circuits powered by uncorrelated power supplies while maintaining a single bias generation source.
2Productivity
If separate bias generators are used for each circuit to optimize individual performance, then circuit performance is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single common bias generator that serves multiple circuits with uncorrelated power supplies. The bias generator is equipped with adjustable voltage levels and feedback-controlled adjustment mechanisms that enable it to adapt to the specific requirements of each circuit. This universal bias generation approach eliminates the need for separate bias generators while maintaining optimized performance for all circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for generating a common bias for a device component having a first circuit powered by a first power supply and a second circuit powered by a second power supply. A method includes: arranging a circuit path in a ring oscillator to replicate a logic depth of both the first circuit and the second circuit, wherein the ring oscillator is controlled by the common bias and a first portion of the circuit path is powered by the first power supply and a second portion of the circuit path is powered by the second power supply; outputting an oscillating signal from the ring oscillator; computing common bias voltages based on the oscillating signal; and applying the common bias voltages to the device component.