Dual-Voltage Power Gating for Memory Logic Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in reducing unnecessary power consumption during power-down modes due to increasing function blocks, necessitating efficient power management techniques.
Innovation Solution
A power gating system and memory system that utilize dual supply voltages and mode settings to control power supply, allowing for dynamic voltage frequency scaling and double power modes to optimize power usage based on operational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power gating technique is employed to prevent unnecessary power supply to function blocks in power-down mode, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional power gating switches and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power gating control functions into a single unified control circuit that manages both first and second power gating switches. The mode register and decoder are combined to provide integrated control for both power lines, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate control mechanisms for each power gating switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle different operating modes (DVFS mode and double power mode) through a single unified structure. The same control circuit can selectively enable or disable power supply to different logic gate groups based on the operating mode, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated control circuits.
2Reliability
If dual supply voltages are applied to logic gates simultaneously in double power mode, then operational stability is improved, but power consumption increases compared to selective voltage application
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration based on operating requirements. In DVFS mode, only one power line is active at a time, allowing selective voltage application for lower power consumption. In double power mode, both power lines are activated simultaneously to provide operational stability. This dynamic switching between configurations optimizes the trade-off between stability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different power supply modes. The mode register allows changing the state of power gating switches, thereby changing the voltage supply parameters to logic gates. This enables the system to adapt power consumption and stability characteristics according to the required operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power gating switches are added to control power supply to logic gates, then power management capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control is segmented into distinct power gating switches (first and second power gating switches) that can independently control power flow to different logic gate groups. This segmentation allows flexible power management while using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques for creating the switches and their control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A power gating system including: a first power line coupled to a first pad; a second power line coupled to a second pad; a third power line coupled to a plurality of logic gates in common; a first power gating switch coupled between the first and third power lines; and a second power gating switch coupled between the second and third power lines. When a double power mode is set, the first and second power gating switches may be turned on to couple the first and second power lines to the third power line at the same time.