Dynamic Power Grid Sharing for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices like semiconductor chips, shared power grids can experience noise interference and voltage or frequency scaling issues due to power sharing, limiting operational capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically controlling power grid sharing between components using a controller to adjust switch states based on operation modes and runtime parameters, allowing for individual power management and reduced noise through separate power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power grids are shared between circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but noise interference increases and operational flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower grid structureVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power grid sharing where the connection state between power grids can be changed during runtime based on operational requirements. Switches controlled by a controller enable or disable power sharing between circuits depending on the operational mode, allowing the system to adapt between shared and isolated power configurations dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power distribution system into separate power grids for different circuits, each with its own power supply input. Isolation switches are introduced to control the connection between these segmented power grids, allowing individual circuits to have independent power control while maintaining the option for sharing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If power grids are shared between circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage scaling capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution structureVSAvoidvoltage scaling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power grid sharing based on operational mode. When voltage or frequency scaling is required for a specific circuit, the controller disables power sharing for that circuit, isolating its power grid to enable independent voltage and frequency control without affecting other circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes (voltage and frequency) for individual circuits by controlling the isolation switches. When a circuit requires voltage or frequency scaling, the power grid sharing is disabled for that circuit, allowing independent parameter adjustment while maintaining shared operation for other circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate power supplies are used for each circuit, then noise interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidpower supply structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power supply structures into a unified system with shared power distribution infrastructure. While separate power supplies are available for different circuits, the power grid infrastructure and control logic are integrated and shared across circuits, reducing overall complexity compared to completely independent power systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power distribution system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same power grid infrastructure can serve multiple circuits either in shared or isolated mode. The isolation switches and controller provide universal control capabilities that work across different operational scenarios, reducing the need for separate dedicated control systems for each circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9372519B2Dynamic power distribution
Publication Date: 2016.06.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9372519B2 patent drawing
  • US9372519B2 patent drawing
  • US9372519B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a method for dynamically sharing power grids of a device includes providing power from a first power supply to a first power grid in a first component of the device. The method also includes providing power from a second power supply to a second power grid in a second component of the device and dynamically changing, by a controller, a state of a first switch that controls a sharing of power between the first power grid and the second power grid during a runtime of the device.