Complementary Voltage Regulator for Power Domain Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits waste power due to the voltage difference between the supply voltage and the regulated voltage required by different power domains, leading to inefficient power supply usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a complementary voltage regulator system with N-type and P-type voltage regulators that share current between power domains, using transistors and voltage dividers to regulate voltage levels and provide a mid-level supply voltage, enhancing power efficiency by reusing current across domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear regulator is used to provide regulated voltage to power domains, then voltage regulation is achieved, but power is wasted due to the voltage difference between supply voltage and regulated voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into multiple power domains (first power domain, second power domain) with different voltage requirements. Each power domain has its own voltage regulator that operates independently, allowing optimized power delivery to each domain based on its specific needs rather than forcing all domains to use the same regulated voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power domains are provided with different voltage levels appropriate to their local requirements. The first power domain receives a first voltage level from the first voltage regulator, while the second power domain receives a second voltage level from the second voltage regulator. This local customization eliminates the need to regulate all domains to a single voltage, reducing power waste.
2Device complexity
If a single voltage regulator provides regulated voltage to all power domains, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but power efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary voltage regulation in all domains
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation function is segmented into multiple independent regulators (first voltage regulator, second voltage regulator) distributed across different power domains. This segmentation allows each regulator to optimize power delivery locally without being constrained by a centralized regulation approach, improving overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical voltage regulation structure with multiple voltage levels (first voltage level, second voltage level) corresponding to different power domains. This multi-dimensional approach to voltage regulation allows simultaneous operation of different voltage levels, achieving better power efficiency without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit has at least two power domains. A first power domain has circuitry coupled between a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal. A second power domain has circuitry coupled between a third power supply terminal and a fourth power supply terminal. A complementary voltage regulator includes N-type and P-type voltage regulators. The N-type voltage regulator is coupled between the first and third power supply terminals and controls a first voltage level at the second power supply terminal. The P-type voltage regulator is coupled between the third and fourth power supply terminals and controls a second voltage level at the third power supply terminal. The N-type voltage regulator produces a mid-level supply voltage to the P-type regulator and a “ground” for the circuits in the first power domain. The P-type regulator circuit produces a “ground” for the N-type regulator and a mid-level supply voltage for the circuits in the second power-domain. Thus, a current consumed by the first power-domain is reused in the second power domain, thus enhancing power efficiency.