Cross-Domain Power Control Circuit for Signal Feedthrough Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern integrated circuits with multiple power domains face challenges in communication and power management, particularly when analog and digital circuits operate at different supply voltages, leading to signal feedthrough and performance degradation due to the inability to fully power down transmission gate switch networks.
Innovation Solution
A cross-domain power control circuit that dynamically switches between supply voltages using a third supply voltage node, allowing for seamless communication and power management between power domains by ramping up/down voltages and isolating domains to prevent signal shorting and excessive current draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmission gate switch networks are used to enable communication between power domains, then communication capability is improved, but signal feedthrough and performance degradation occur due to inability to fully power down
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit is segmented into multiple independent circuit branches, each controlling a specific transistor (first transistor, second transistor, third transistor) that manages different aspects of power domain isolation. This segmentation allows precise control over signal paths to prevent feedthrough while maintaining communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A third supply voltage node is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second supply voltage nodes. This intermediate node allows controlled voltage transitions and provides a buffer that prevents direct signal feedthrough between power domains while enabling gradual power domain activation and deactivation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circuits in one power domain are powered down to achieve power savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication with adjacent powered-on domains becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage at the third supply voltage node based on the operational state of power domains. During power-down transitions, the circuit gradually ramps down voltage to prevent signal feedthrough, while during power-up transitions, it gradually ramps up to enable controlled communication establishment. This dynamic control allows power savings while maintaining communication adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry performs preliminary actions by pre-charging or pre-discharging the third supply voltage node before fully switching power domains on or off. This preliminary voltage adjustment prevents sudden signal feedthrough and ensures clean transitions, allowing power domains to be powered down for energy savings while maintaining the ability to communicate when activated.
3Speed
If supply voltage is rapidly switched between power domains, then response time is improved, but voltage transitions cause signal shorting and excessive current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit employs periodic, staged voltage transitions rather than instantaneous switching. The control circuitry systematically activates and deactivates transistors in a sequence, creating controlled periodic transitions in the third supply voltage node. This staged approach maintains fast response time while preventing excessive current draw by avoiding sudden voltage changes that would cause signal shorting.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-domain power control circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a first circuit branch having a first transistor coupled to a first supply voltage node and a second circuit branch having a second transistor coupled to the first supply voltage node. A third circuit branch is coupled between a second supply voltage node and a third supply voltage node. A second supply voltage conveyed on the second supply voltage node is less than a first supply voltage conveyed on the first supply voltage node. A fourth circuit branch is coupled between the first and third supply voltage nodes. In a first mode of operation, control circuitry causes the second supply voltage to be conveyed to the third supply voltage node. In a second mode of operation, the control circuitry causes the first supply voltage to be conveyed to the third supply voltage node.