Dynamic Voltage Regulation for Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic systems face inefficiencies in power supply management, leading to unnecessary power consumption and overheating in systems-in-package configurations due to static power supplies that fail to adapt to varying device performance needs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a voltage regulator that dynamically adjusts voltage supplies based on performance metrics received through wired communication links, allowing for real-time optimization of power usage across multiple electronic devices within a system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static power supply is used to ensure system operation under worst scenario, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling that adjusts voltage supplies in real-time based on actual system performance and workload conditions. The voltage regulator continuously monitors performance metrics and dynamically modifies voltage levels, transitioning from a static to a dynamic power supply approach that adapts to changing operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where performance metrics are monitored and fed back to the voltage regulator. This closed-loop control enables the system to adjust voltage supplies based on actual performance data, ensuring reliability while optimizing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If voltage supply is increased to meet performance requirements, then productivity is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation speedVSAvoidpower waste and heat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on performance requirements. By adjusting voltage levels to match actual operational needs rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage, the system achieves necessary productivity while minimizing power waste and heat generation associated with excessive voltage supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static to dynamic voltage control, allowing voltage levels to fluctuate according to real-time performance demands. This dynamic adjustment ensures high productivity when needed while reducing power consumption and heat generation during lower-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chips are assembled in a systems-in-package configuration, then device integration is improved, but power density and overheating increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip integration densityVSAvoidpower density and heat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing individualized voltage control for each chip or device within the package. Each voltage regulator independently adjusts voltage supplies based on the specific performance metrics and power requirements of connected devices, enabling high integration density while managing power density and heat generation locally at each device level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of energy

If voltage supply is reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device performance and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback control where performance metrics are continuously monitored and fed back to the voltage regulator. This ensures that voltage supplies are reduced only when performance requirements are still met, maintaining reliability and device performance while optimizing power consumption through data-driven voltage adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic voltage adjustment mechanism allows the system to find the optimal balance between power consumption and performance by continuously adapting voltage levels. Rather than using a fixed low voltage that might compromise reliability, the system dynamically scales voltage to maintain necessary performance while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8362642B2Optimized power supply for an electronic system
Publication Date: 2013.01.29 RAMBUS INC
  • US8362642B2 patent drawing
  • US8362642B2 patent drawing
  • US8362642B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of adjusting a voltage supply to an electronic device coupled to a wired communication link in accordance with a performance metric associated with the wired communication link. A voltage adjust signal is generated based on the performance metric. The voltage adjustment signal is then used for updating the voltage supply to the electronic device.