Programmable Logic Voltage Guardband Tuning via Critical Path Monitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic devices face challenges in managing power consumption due to the uncertainty of critical paths, leading to the use of large voltage guardbands that consume unnecessary power, as the critical paths are not known at the time of manufacture and vary with user-defined designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating circuit monitors to mimic critical paths and adjust voltage guardbands dynamically based on timing information, allowing sectors to operate at lower voltage levels while ensuring proper functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large voltage guardbands are used to ensure proper operation of programmable logic devices, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage guardband adjustment by monitoring actual critical path timing through circuit monitors and oscillators. The system transitions from static, conservative voltage guardbands to dynamic adjustment based on real-time performance data, allowing voltage to be optimized according to actual circuit behavior rather than worst-case assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through circuit monitors and oscillators that continuously measure critical path timing. This feedback information is used to adjust voltage guardbands dynamically, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption while maintaining reliability based on actual circuit performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage guardbands are reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to timing violations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conservative, mechanically-set voltage guardband values with a software-based monitoring and adjustment system. Circuit monitors and oscillators collect timing data that feeds into a control algorithm, substituting fixed engineering margins with adaptive digital control to achieve both power savings and timing compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on measured timing performance. Instead of using fixed voltage guardbands, the system adjusts voltage levels according to actual critical path delays observed through circuit monitors, allowing optimization of both power consumption and timing reliability.
3Productivity
If circuit monitors are added to monitor critical paths, then voltage guardband optimization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses circuit monitors that create simplified copies or models of the critical paths to be monitored. These monitor circuits replicate the timing characteristics of actual critical paths without requiring full duplication of the complex logic, enabling measurement with minimal overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit monitors and oscillators serve multiple functions: they monitor critical path timing, provide feedback for voltage adjustment, and can detect timing violations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, minimizing the overall complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems or methods of the present disclosure may provide efficient power consumption for programmable logic devices based on reducing guardband voltages. A programmable logic device may include circuit monitors to mimic critical paths of an implemented circuit design and generate timing information based on the critical paths. A controller on the programmable logic device may adjust the voltage guardband based on the timing information.