Dynamic I/O Pin Pull Circuits for Low-Power Signal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) face increased power consumption and signal transition issues due to the use of pull-up and pull-down circuits on input/output pins, which dissipate power and can slow signal transitions, especially in environments with limited power constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamically controlled pull-ups or pull-downs on input/output pins, where the circuits are enabled by a reset signal and disabled when the pin is driven, reducing unnecessary power consumption and avoiding the use of external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pull-up and pull-down circuits are used on input/output pins to ensure valid signal levels, then signal stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pull-up/down circuits dynamically controllable rather than statically enabled. The enable signal selectively activates or deactivates the pull-up/down circuits based on operational requirements, allowing the system to transition between high-power stable state and low-power standby state, thus resolving the contradiction between signal stability and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the pull-up/down circuits from permanently enabled to conditionally enabled. By controlling the enable signal parameter, the system can switch between different operational modes (enabled/disabled), thereby adjusting power consumption while maintaining signal stability when needed
2Reliability
If pull-up and pull-down circuits are used on input/output pins, then signal level validation is improved, but signal transition speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pull-up/down circuits dynamically controllable through an enable signal. When the enable signal is deactivated, the pull-up/down circuits are disconnected, allowing fast signal transitions without resistance. When enabled, they provide signal level validation. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between signal validation and transition speed
3Reliability
If pull-up and pull-down circuits are used on multiple input/output pins, then signal stability is improved, but power dissipation increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of multiple pull-up/down circuits from all-enabled to selectively-enabled. By controlling the enable signal across multiple circuits, the system can maintain signal stability for active pins while deactivating pull-up/down circuits on inactive pins, thereby substantially reducing overall power dissipation
4Reliability
If pull-up and pull-down circuits are used on input/output pins, then signal level control is improved, but driver strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making pull-up/down circuits conditionally enabled rather than permanently active. When disabled, they do not conflict with driver signals, allowing drivers to operate at full strength without opposing forces. When enabled, they provide signal level control for high-impedance states, resolving the contradiction between signal control and driver strength requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Input/Output (I/O) pin circuits, devices, methods and systems are implemented in various fashions. According to one such method, a valid signal level is provided for a pin of an integrated circuit (IC) die. Responsive to a reset signal, a first mode (304) is entered where one of a pull-up circuit or pull-down circuit is enabled (308, 310) to set the pin to the valid signal level. A change in signal level of the pin that is a deviation from the valid signal level is detected (312). Responsive to detecting the change, a second mode (314) is entered where the one of a pull-up circuit or pull-down circuit is disabled (316).