Dynamic Source Voltage Adjustment via Stored Electrical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to adjust the source voltage of integrated circuits (ICs) to meet operating voltage requirements without excessive voltage margin, which leads to unnecessary power consumption and heat generation, especially in complex wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive power through a power distribution network, read data on electrical characteristics from a storage medium, and adjust the source voltage based on this data to optimize voltage margins, using a control circuit to monitor and adjust the source voltage in real-time.
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 reliability of the circuit operation is improved, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily and battery life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by reading electrical characteristic data from a storage medium and adjusting the source voltage in real-time based on actual circuit conditions. The control circuit monitors voltage requirements and modifies the source voltage dynamically, transitioning from a static high voltage margin approach to a dynamic adaptive approach that maintains reliability while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter adaptively by reading electrical characteristic data (such as process variation data, temperature data, or load data) from a storage medium and adjusting the source voltage accordingly. This allows the system to optimize the voltage margin based on actual conditions rather than using a fixed conservative voltage level, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining circuit reliability.
2Reliability
If the source voltage is set high above the operating voltage requirement, then the circuit can operate satisfactorily under various conditions, but additional heat is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the source voltage based on read data from the storage medium, allowing the system to respond to changing thermal conditions. By monitoring electrical characteristics and adjusting voltage in real-time, the system prevents excessive heat generation while maintaining circuit stability under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the voltage parameter based on electrical characteristic data to optimize the balance between circuit stability and heat generation. By changing the source voltage level adaptively rather than maintaining a consistently high voltage margin, the system reduces heat generation while preserving the ability to operate reliably across different conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed source voltage with voltage margin is used, then the circuit design is simplified, but the voltage margin cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage medium as an intermediary that stores electrical characteristic data about the circuit. This intermediary enables the control circuit to access information about process variations, temperature characteristics, or load profiles, allowing optimized voltage adjustment without complicating the fundamental circuit design. The storage medium acts as a bridge between the simple circuit architecture and the need for adaptive voltage optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical characteristic data is pre-stored in the storage medium during manufacturing or calibration, allowing the control circuit to perform optimized voltage adjustment without requiring complex real-time measurements or calculations. This preliminary preparation of data enables adaptability while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods to adjust a source voltage based on stored information are provided. The apparatus includes a circuit configured to receive power from a power source through a power distribution network, a storage medium storing data specifying one or more electrical characteristics of the circuit, and a control circuit configured to adjust a source voltage at the power source based on the data stored in the storage medium. The method includes receiving power by a circuit from a power source through a power distribution network, reading data specifying one or more electrical characteristics of the circuit from a storage medium, and adjusting a source voltage at the power source based on the data stored in the storage medium.