Dual-Rail CMOS Power Architecture for Voltage-Level Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a single power source in integrated circuit (IC) devices makes it difficult to control power consumption, as conventional blocks need to be designed and separated based on voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit device with dual power sources, including a front-side (FS) power source and a back-side (BS) power source, both coupled to the same transistor, allowing for independent activation and deactivation based on power consumption needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power source is used in IC devices, then the device structure is simple, but power consumption control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is segmented into front-side power sources (VDD1, VDD2) and back-side power sources (VSS1, VSS2), allowing independent control of power supply paths. This segmentation enables selective activation of power sources based on operational requirements, thereby achieving fine-grained power consumption control without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the controller to selectively activate or deactivate specific power sources (VDD1, VDD2, VSS1, VSS2) based on real-time operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize power consumption by activating only the necessary power paths during different operational modes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional blocks are separated based on voltage levels, then power consumption control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distribution architecture where a single integrated circuit block can simultaneously support multiple voltage levels (VDD1 and VDD2) through its dual power source configuration. This multi-functional power network eliminates the need for separate high-voltage and low-voltage blocks, allowing one block to serve multiple functions across different voltage domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power supply parameters by introducing multiple voltage levels (VDD1, VDD2) and multiple ground references (VSS1, VSS2) that can be independently controlled. This parameter diversification allows the same circuit block to operate at different voltage levels based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for voltage-level-specific block separation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dual power sources are used, then power consumption control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges front-side power sources (VDD1, VDD2) and back-side power sources (VSS1, VSS2) into a unified power distribution network that supplies a single integrated circuit block. This merging approach consolidates multiple power paths into one coherent system, achieving fine-grained power control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves as an intermediary structure that carries back-side power sources (VSS1, VSS2) and connects them to the integrated circuit block. This intermediary substrate implementation allows complex dual power source configuration to be managed through a structured intermediate layer, reducing the apparent complexity at the block level while maintaining fine-grained power control capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
CMOS devices are provided. A CMOS device includes a PMOS transistor (T-P) and an NMOS transistor (T-N). Moreover, the CMOS device includes a dual power rail having a front-side power rail (FSR) and a back-side power rail (BSR) that are both coupled to one of the PMOS transistor (T-P) or the NMOS transistor (T-N). The PMOS transistor (T-P) and the NMOS transistor (T-N) are in a vertical transistor stack, or are side-by-side.