Dual Power Flow Isolation Control for Multi-Domain Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with multiple power domains face challenges in signal integrity and proper functioning due to un-determined signal levels when power domains are not simultaneously powered, requiring effective isolation paths and digital interfaces to manage different operational modes for energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit with dual power flow modes, including a reset and safe state logic generation (RSSLG) circuit in the first power domain to generate isolation control signals for isolation paths between power domains, ensuring controlled signal transmission and disabling signals when necessary, using isolation circuits like AND or OR gates to manage power flow during power-up and standby mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation paths are implemented between multiple power domains to prevent un-determined signal levels, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reset signal generation and isolation control functions into a single centralized RSSLG circuit located in the first power domain. This circuit generates both reset signals for other power domains and isolation control signals for all isolation paths, eliminating the need for separate control circuits in each power domain and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RSSLG circuit in the first power domain performs multiple functions: it generates reset signals for the second and third power domains, generates isolation control signals for all isolation paths, and coordinates power domain activation sequences. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate control circuits needed, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable signal isolation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power domains are used to achieve energy efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but signal transmission control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The RSSLG circuit monitors the power states of multiple power domains and dynamically adjusts isolation control signals based on which domains are active or inactive. This feedback mechanism ensures that isolation paths are properly controlled during different operational modes (standby, low-power, RUN mode) without requiring complex manual control logic, thereby managing signal transmission control effectively while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If isolation control signals are generated in each power domain, then local control flexibility is improved, but circuit duplication increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation control signal generation function from individual power domains and consolidates it into a single RSSLG circuit in the first power domain. This centralized approach eliminates circuit duplication across multiple power domains while maintaining the ability to control isolation paths effectively, as the centralized circuit can generate and distribute appropriate control signals to all isolation paths based on the current power domain states.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric device includes: a first power domain; a second power domain; a third power domain, where during power-up, the third, the second, and the first power domains are configured to be powered up sequentially, where during standby-exit, the first, the second, and the third power domains are configured to be powered up sequentially; isolation paths that provide controlled signal transmission among the first, the second, and the third power domains, where each isolation path includes an isolation circuit between an input power domain and an output power domain of the isolation path; and a control circuit in the first power domain, where for each isolation path, the control circuit is configured to generate an isolation control signal for the isolation circuit, where the isolation circuit is configured enable or disable signal transmission along the isolation path.