Dynamic Source Voltage Adjustment for IC Power Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to adjust the source voltage in integrated circuits (ICs) to meet operating voltage requirements without excessive voltage margin, which leads to unnecessary power consumption and heat generation, particularly in complex wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve receiving an operating voltage through a power distribution network, measuring the operating voltage response, and adjusting the source voltage based on detected parameters such as impedance profile, ringing, and resonance frequency using sensors and control circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the source voltage is set high above the operating voltage requirement to account for design and process variations, then the operating voltage requirement is met with sufficient margin, but additional power is consumed unnecessarily and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by transitioning from a static voltage margin approach to a dynamic system that continuously monitors operating voltage response and adjusts source voltage in real-time. The control circuit modifies the source voltage based on measured responses from the circuit under test, allowing the system to adapt to actual operating conditions rather than relying on fixed design margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the operating voltage response is measured and fed back to the control circuit, which then adjusts the source voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the source voltage to be optimized based on actual circuit performance, eliminating the need for excessive voltage margins while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If the source voltage is set high above the operating voltage requirement, then the operating voltage requirement is met with sufficient margin, but additional heat is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts source voltage to match actual operating requirements, preventing excessive voltage application that would generate unnecessary heat. By continuously monitoring and adjusting voltage based on real-time response measurements, the system maintains reliable operation at optimal voltage levels rather than using fixed high margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback loop measures operating voltage response and adjusts source voltage to minimize excess voltage application. This feedback-controlled adjustment prevents the heat generation that would result from maintaining high voltage margins, while still ensuring the circuit operates reliably within required parameters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the source voltage is adjusted to meet the operating voltage requirement without excessive voltage margin, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit may not operate satisfactorily due to design and process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the operating voltage response and adjusts the source voltage to ensure the circuit operates satisfactorily. This real-time feedback allows the system to maintain minimal necessary voltage margins while compensating for design and process variations, ensuring reliable operation without excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own operating voltage response and modifying the source voltage accordingly. This self-service capability enables the circuit to optimize its own voltage requirements, ensuring satisfactory operation while minimizing power consumption without external intervention.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a sensor and control circuit are added to measure and adjust the source voltage, then the operating voltage can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates test signals, measures operating voltage response, analyzes the response characteristics, and adjusts the source voltage. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent reduces the overall complexity that would result from separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensor functionality and control circuitry into an integrated system that works together to measure and adjust voltage. This merging of measurement and control functions into a unified system reduces the complexity that would arise from having separate, independent components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method to adjust a source voltage based on an operating voltage response are provided. The apparatus includes a circuit configured to change state from a first state to a second state comprising receiving an operating voltage from a power source through a power distribution network. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to measure an operating voltage response to the circuit changing state to receiving the operating voltage. The apparatus further includes a control circuit configured to adjust a source voltage at the power source based on the operating voltage response measured by the sensor. The method includes changing a state to receiving an operating voltage from a power source through a power distribution network, measuring an operating voltage response to the changing state to receiving the operating voltage, and adjusting the source voltage at the power source based on the measured operating voltage response.