Configuration Fuse Data Management in Partial Power-On State
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent reading of configuration fuses in SoCs to reinitialize circuit blocks during mode transitions leads to latency issues, which negatively impact performance and can stress the fuses, potentially causing long-term reliability problems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an always-on component that stores and retrieves configuration data from fuses minimally, allowing for reduced power consumption and faster mode transitions by enabling only necessary circuit blocks and using stored data to reinitialize circuits, thereby reducing the number of fuse reads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration fuses are frequently read to reinitialize circuit blocks during mode transitions, then circuit initialization is ensured, but latency increases and fuse reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by reading fuse configuration data in advance during full power mode before transitioning to reduced power mode. The read data is stored in a buffer or cache, so that when mode transition occurs, the pre-read configuration data is already available, eliminating the need to read fuses again during the transition and thus reducing latency while minimizing fuse stress.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circuits are disabled during reduced power modes, then energy consumption is reduced, but configuration information is reset requiring re-initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary reading of fuse configuration data before disabling circuits during reduced power mode. This pre-read operation ensures that configuration information is captured while circuits are still active, allowing rapid re-initialization when circuits are re-enabled without requiring time-consuming fuse reads during the power mode transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by duplicating fuse configuration data from the non-volatile fuse elements into a volatile buffer or cache memory. This copy operation allows the system to preserve configuration information without continuously accessing the original fuse elements, enabling fast retrieval during mode transitions while minimizing physical stress on the fuse structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all circuit blocks are enabled in first operating mode, then full functionality is available, but power consumption increases compared to second operating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing circuit blocks into different groups that can be independently enabled or disabled based on operating mode requirements. During reduced power mode, only essential circuit blocks remain enabled while non-essential blocks are disabled. The selective enablement is made possible by pre-reading fuse configuration data for the enabled blocks, allowing the system to maintain full functionality when needed while reducing power consumption during standby.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a plurality of circuit blocks, a plurality of fuses and circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to determine a state for each of the plurality of fuses in response to transitioning from an off mode to a first operating mode. A first number of circuit blocks may be enabled in the first operating mode. The circuitry may also be configured to initialize the first number of circuit blocks dependent upon the states of one or more of the plurality of fuses and to transition from the first operating mode to a second operating mode. A second number of circuit blocks, less than the first number, may be enabled in the second operating mode. The circuitry may also be configured to store data representing the states of a subset of the plurality of fuses into a first memory enabled in the second operating mode.