DVFS Internal Voltage Supply Using Leakage Current in Semiconductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face inefficiencies in power consumption and potential abnormal operations due to dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) operations, particularly when generating internal voltages from source voltages.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device includes a voltage supply circuit that generates internal voltages from either a high or low source voltage level based on DVFS operation, and an internal voltage supply circuit that detects and discharges excessive source voltage levels, using leakage currents to generate and supply internal voltages as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If leakage current is generated during internal voltage generation from source voltage, then power consumption increases and abnormal operations may occur, but completely preventing leakage current generation is difficult due to the nature of voltage conversion processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful leakage current into a beneficial resource by using it as the operating current for the internal circuit. The internal voltage generation process intentionally allows leakage current to flow, and this current is then routed to power the internal circuit, transforming what was previously wasted energy into useful power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion process serves dual purposes: generating the required internal voltage while simultaneously producing the operating current for the internal circuit through its inherent leakage current. The system uses its own operational byproduct (leakage current) to power itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply paths.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high source voltage is supplied to internal circuits during low frequency operation, then power consumption increases unnecessarily, but reducing source voltage may affect circuit functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment based on operating frequency. The voltage supply circuit dynamically selects between high and low source voltages according to the operational state of the internal circuit, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the actual computational workload and frequency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the source supply based on operating conditions. During low frequency operation, the source voltage is reduced to a lower level, while during high frequency operation, the full source voltage is applied. This parameter adjustment optimizes power consumption without compromising circuit functionality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a voltage supply circuit including a first pad to which a first source voltage that is generated from an external power source is applied and a second pad to which a second source voltage that is generated from the external power source is applied and configured to generate an internal voltage based on at least one of the first source voltage and the second source voltage and an internal voltage supply circuit configured to generate the internal voltage by supplying less than all of the second source voltage to the first source voltage when a level of the second source voltage is a set voltage level or higher, when generating the internal voltage based on the first source voltage.