Distributed Power Switch Layout for Localized IR Drop Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of integrated circuits (ICs) has led to localized IR drop issues related to electromigration and circuit timing, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

The integration of power switches responsive to power gating signals within logic circuits, allowing for distributed power management throughout IC circuits, thereby addressing localized IR drop issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power switches are distributed throughout IC circuits to address localized IR drop issues, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized IR drop controlVSAvoidpower switch distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution network is segmented into multiple localized power domains, each with its own power switch. This segmentation allows independent control of power delivery to different circuit regions, addressing localized IR drop issues without requiring a complete redesign of the entire power distribution system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power switches are strategically placed at specific locations within the IC circuit where localized IR drop problems occur. Each power switch is controlled by a dedicated power gating signal, providing localized power management precisely where needed rather than uniform control across the entire circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If network-level power switches are used in existing technologies, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to electromigration issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower switch quantityVSAvoidelectromigration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a few network-level power switches that carry high currents over long distances, the system segments the power distribution into multiple localized switches. Each switch handles smaller currents over shorter distances, reducing electromigration effects and allowing for more relaxed manufacturing precision tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If parallel power switches are added during engineering change orders to fix IR drop issues, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIR drop correctionVSAvoiddesign efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power gating signals and distributed power switch architecture are designed and integrated into the IC circuit during the initial design phase. This preliminary action eliminates the need for later engineering change orders to add parallel power switches, maintaining design efficiency while achieving reliable IR drop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250119143A1Power switch device, layout method, and system

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

An IC device includes a first interconnect structure configured to distribute a power supply voltage, a second interconnect structure configured to distribute a reference voltage, a third interconnect structure configured to distribute a first power gating signal, and a plurality of logic circuits. Each logic circuit of the plurality of logic circuits includes a power switch coupled in series with a logic gate between the first and second interconnect structures, and the power switch includes a control terminal coupled to the third interconnect structure.