Dynamic Operating Surface for IC Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static power consumption in semiconductor devices, particularly in portable electronic devices, is a significant factor affecting battery life and operational lifetime due to manufacturing variations, leading to inconsistent static power consumption characteristics among integrated circuits with the same design.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit is programmed with an adjustable operating surface equation that dynamically adjusts operating voltage based on factors like operating temperature, number of active execution units, and age, using leakage current and simulation data to optimize power utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If integrated circuits are manufactured with reduced size and reduced dynamic power requirements, then device miniaturization and dynamic power efficiency are improved, but static power consumption becomes a more significant factor in overall power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating surface adjustable rather than fixed. The operating surface can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different static power consumption characteristics of individual integrated circuits, allowing each device to operate at optimal points despite manufacturing variations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptive optimization rather than relying on a single fixed operating point that may not suit all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by allowing the operating surface to be reconfigured with different parameters (voltage, frequency, power settings) based on measured static power consumption characteristics. This enables the system to adapt to manufacturing variations by adjusting operating parameters rather than being constrained by a fixed operating surface designed for average characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If integrated circuits are manufactured with standard process variations, then manufacturing consistency is maintained, but static power consumption characteristics vary between integrated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual static power consumption characteristics of each integrated circuit and using this information to adjust the operating surface. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations, ensuring that each device operates within reliable power consumption bounds despite variations in manufacturing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing each integrated circuit's static power consumption properties before final operation. This preliminary characterization allows the operating surface to be customized for each device, ensuring optimal and reliable operation from the outset rather than relying on average design specifications that may not match actual device characteristics.
3Device complexity
If a fixed operating surface is used for integrated circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption optimization is limited due to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the operating surface dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the system to optimize power consumption for each individual integrated circuit based on its specific characteristics, while the adjustment mechanism itself remains relatively simple, requiring only measurement and reconfiguration capabilities rather than complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an integrated circuit programmed with an operating surface equation. The operating surface equation may define an operating point as a function of operating voltage, operating frequency, leakage current, and one or more additional operating factors. The additional operating factors may be, for example, an operating temperature of the integrated circuit, a number of active execution units in the integrated circuit, and/or an age of the integrated circuit. The operating surface equation may be adjusted based on changes in one or more of the additional operating factors. Changes in the operating surface equation may change the operating surface of the integrated circuit. Thus, operating points (e.g., operating voltage) of the integrated circuit may be adjusted in response to changes in the additional operating factors.