FPGA Temperature Sensing Logic for Core Hotspot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits, particularly field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), face challenges in accurately detecting hotspots due to the absence of thermal sensors in the core logic region, which hinders effective temperature management and corrective actions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing temperature sensing logic circuits that use frequency counter and comparator circuits to detect temperature changes, allowing for the identification of hotspots and initiating corrective actions such as clock gating or power cycling, without the need for traditional thermal sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermal sensors are used for temperature monitoring, then temperature detection is possible, but the core logic region of FPGAs cannot accommodate thermal sensors due to architectural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency counter circuits and comparator circuits as functional copies of thermal sensing capabilities. Instead of placing physical thermal sensors in the core logic region, the invention creates software/logic-based temperature sensing using existing circuit components, effectively copying the temperature detection function without requiring physical sensor hardware in restricted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical thermal sensor system with an electronic logic-based temperature detection system. By substituting physical thermal sensing mechanisms with frequency counting and comparison logic, the invention eliminates the need for physical sensors in the core logic region while maintaining temperature monitoring functionality.
2Device complexity
If temperature monitoring is implemented without dedicated thermal sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service temperature monitoring where existing frequency counter circuits and comparator circuits within the FPGA perform temperature detection functions. The system uses its own internal logic resources to monitor temperature without requiring external or dedicated sensor components, allowing the device to sense and respond to thermal conditions using its inherent circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing frequency counter and comparator circuits multi-functional by using them for both their original counting/comparison purposes and for temperature detection. This universal usage of existing components achieves temperature monitoring without adding dedicated sensor hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through clever repurposing of existing resources.
3Reliability
If corrective actions are taken to reduce temperature, then overheating risk is reduced, but circuit operation may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring using clock signal cycles, where temperature assessment occurs at regular intervals rather than continuously interrupting operation. The system uses clocked logic to periodically evaluate temperature conditions and trigger corrective actions only when thresholds are exceeded, allowing normal circuit operation to proceed uninterrupted between monitoring cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic temperature management where corrective actions such as clock gating are applied selectively and temporarily based on real-time temperature conditions. Rather than permanently interrupting circuit operation, the system dynamically adjusts clock signals to specific regions only when and where temperature thresholds are exceeded, maintaining operational continuity in unaffected areas while preventing overheating in hotspots.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit system includes a temperature sensor circuit that generates an output indicative of a temperature in an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit system also includes a temperature management controller circuit that compares the temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor circuit to a temperature threshold. The integrated circuit system further includes temperature reduction circuitry and/or design compilation techniques and partial or full reconfiguration that controls the temperature in the integrated circuit system. The temperature management controller circuit causes the temperature reduction circuitry to reduce the temperature in response to the temperature indicated by the output of the temperature sensor circuit exceeding the temperature threshold. The temperature sensor circuit, the temperature management controller circuit, and the temperature reduction circuitry may be implemented by soft logic circuits, hard logic circuits, or any combination thereof.