Current-Sensed Power Domain Switching to Prevent Voltage Drops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits with multiple power domains experience power inefficiencies due to high current consumption in some modes and low current consumption in others, leading to voltage drops and noise on the power distribution network.

Innovation Solution

A switch mechanism that dynamically adjusts the number of power domains and their associated voltages based on sensed current levels, using integrated or external voltage regulators and current sensors to optimize power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple power domains are used to supply different voltages to different sectors, then voltage requirements are met, but power consumption increases and voltage drops occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power domain adjustment where the number of power domains is not fixed but changes based on real-time current sensing. The system transitions between having multiple power domains (when high current is detected) and fewer power domains (when low current is detected), making the power architecture adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of power domain count based on operating conditions. By sensing current levels and adjusting the number of active power domains accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between voltage supply capability and power consumption, preventing both energy waste and voltage drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple power domains operate simultaneously, then different voltage requirements are satisfied, but voltage drops and noise are generated on the power distribution network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage distributionVSAvoidvoltage drops and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs current sensing to monitor the actual current draw and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the number of power domains. This closed-loop control prevents voltage drops and noise by reducing the number of power domains when current consumption patterns indicate potential PDN stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If the number of power domains is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but voltage supply capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage supply capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than statically reducing power domains, the system dynamically adjusts them based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to maintain full voltage supply capability when needed (high current modes) while reducing power consumption when possible (low current modes), achieving both goals sequentially rather than simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12355359B2Switch based on load current

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

Systems or methods of the present disclosure may provide for operating a programmable fabric including multiple programmable elements organized into a number of power domains that utilize a common voltage within the respective power domains. A current sensor senses a current of the programmable fabric. When the sensed current has crossed a threshold, the programmable fabric changes the number of power domains.