Cross-Domain Power Control Circuit for Feedthrough-Free Switching
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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 analog and digital domains by ramping up/down voltages accordingly, preventing signal shorting and feedthrough.
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 divided into multiple independent circuit branches (first circuit branch with first transistor, second circuit branch with second transistor, third circuit branch, fourth circuit branch), each controlling a specific voltage conveyance path. This segmentation allows selective powering of different voltage domains without affecting others, enabling full power down of transmission gates when not needed while maintaining communication capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically switches between different supply voltages (first supply voltage and second supply voltage) at the third supply voltage node based on operational modes. Control circuitry adjusts which voltage is conveyed to the third node in real-time, allowing the transmission gate network to be fully powered down during idle periods and fully powered on during communication needs, eliminating signal feedthrough issues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circuits are powered down to achieve power savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication between power domains becomes impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit dynamically adjusts the supply voltage at the third node based on operational requirements. When communication is needed, the first supply voltage is conveyed to enable full operation of transmission gates. When communication is not needed, the circuit switches to conveying the second supply voltage, allowing complete power down of the transmission gate network and achieving maximum power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
Control circuitry monitors the operational state of the power domains and automatically adjusts voltage conveyance accordingly. The system detects when communication between power domains is required and activates the appropriate voltage supply path, ensuring communication capability is maintained only when necessary, thereby optimizing power consumption.
3Reliability
If analog and digital circuits operate at different supply voltages to optimize performance, then circuit performance is improved, but complexity increases due to multiple power domains requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit is segmented into distinct circuit branches, each handling a specific voltage domain (analog or digital). The first circuit branch and second circuit branch handle the first supply voltage, while the third circuit branch handles the second supply voltage. This segmentation simplifies coordination by providing clear, independent control paths for each power domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary between the first and second power domains, automatically managing voltage conveyance based on operational needs. It monitors the state of both domains and switches voltage supply paths accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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.