Glitch-Removal Sequence Circuit for Multi-Voltage Power-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic circuits with multiple voltage domains face issues of overvoltage stress on low-voltage devices, leading to reliability problems and signal misinterpretation during power supply sequencing, especially in advanced technology nodes like 5 nm, where low-voltage transistors are susceptible to higher voltages.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a glitch removal circuit that outputs a missing low-voltage signal when a high voltage is present and the low voltage is absent, combined with a power mux circuit to generate an intermediate voltage, preventing overvoltage stress and ensuring known states during power supply independent sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power supply independent sequencing is implemented to allow flexible power delivery order, then adaptability is improved, but risk of overvoltage stress on low-voltage devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate voltage generation mechanism using a voltage divider circuit that creates a scaled-down version of the high voltage (e.g., VDDH/2). This intermediate voltage serves as a mediator that allows high-voltage domain circuits to operate safely even when low-voltage supply is not yet available, eliminating the need for strict power sequencing while protecting low-voltage devices from overvoltage stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the voltage domain into separate high-voltage and low-voltage domains with independent operation capabilities. The high-voltage domain can function autonomously using the generated intermediate voltage, while the low-voltage domain remains protected until its supply is ready. This segmentation allows flexible power sequencing without compromising device safety.
2Reliability
If strict power sequencing is enforced to protect low-voltage devices, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage domain performs self-protection by autonomously generating its own safe operating voltage through the voltage divider circuit. This eliminates the need for external power sequencing control circuitry to monitor and enforce voltage domain safety, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate voltage generation is implemented to enable high-voltage operation, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider circuit dynamically adjusts the high-voltage domain's operating parameter (voltage level) based on availability of power supplies. When low-voltage supply is absent, the circuit transforms the high-voltage supply into a suitable intermediate level; when low-voltage supply is present, the high-voltage domain can operate at full voltage. This parameter adaptation enables high-voltage independence while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A glitch removal circuit is configured to receive a first voltage and a detection signal indicating the status of a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage. The glitch removal circuit outputs a missing low-voltage signal when the first voltage is present and the second voltage is absent. The glitch removal circuit may be incorporated into a power check circuit of a power supply independent sequence system, such as by modifying one or more power ok signals that are sent to an input/output circuit of the system. The input/output circuit may include a power mux circuit coupled to a selection signal generated by the power check circuit. The power mux circuit may be configured to output an intermediate voltage between the first voltage and a reference ground voltage generated from the first voltage of the second voltage according to the selection signal.