Dual Rail Power Detector Circuit for Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual rail devices, such as SRAM, experience significant cross-domain leakage when turning on/off different power supplies, which is undesirable and affects power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power detector circuit that provides control signals to header switches to disconnect power supplies during transitions, using Schmitt trigger circuits to set distinct trigger points for connecting and disconnecting power domains, thereby reducing leakage currents during power up and down cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dual rail device operates with different power supply voltages for memory periphery logic circuit and memory array, then dynamic power consumption is reduced, but cross domain leakage increases during power supply transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The power detector circuit detects the power supply voltage level in advance during ramp-up and ramp-down transitions. When the voltage reaches predetermined thresholds, the detector proactively generates control signals to open the header switches before significant leakage can occur, preventing the harmful effect rather than reacting to it after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The power detector continuously monitors the power supply voltage and provides real-time feedback through control signals to the header switches. This feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the switch states based on the actual voltage conditions, ensuring that switches are opened during transitions when leakage would occur and closed when stable operation is achieved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If header switches are used to connect/disconnect power supplies in dual rail device, then power management flexibility is improved, but interface leakage current increases during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The power detector circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the header switches. It monitors the power supply voltage and mediates the control signal generation to the switches, ensuring that switches are only opened or closed when the power supply is in a stable state, thereby eliminating the harmful leakage effect while preserving management flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical switch control with an automated electronic control system consisting of the power detector circuit. This electronic system automatically generates control signals based on voltage detection, substituting the need for manual intervention or simple mechanical switching mechanisms, thereby achieving both flexibility and leakage reduction.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If power supplies are kept connected during transitions, then device operation continuity is maintained, but power consumption increases due to leakage currents
Solution Approach 1:
The header switches are controlled to periodically connect and disconnect based on the power supply voltage state. During transient periods (ramp-up and ramp-down), the switches are disconnected to eliminate leakage. During stable operation periods, the switches are connected to maintain device functionality. This periodic action pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary operation continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual rail device includes a first power domain circuit coupled to a first power supply through a first header control switch and a second power domain circuit coupled to a second power supply. The first and second power supplies have different steady-state voltage levels. The first power domain circuit is interfaced to the second power domain circuit. The device also includes a power detector circuit for providing a control signal for the first header control switch responsive to a voltage level of the second power supply.