Configurable Ground Switch for Multi-Domain Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating systems with multiple power domains face challenges in power delivery due to capacitive coupling (crosstalk) between isolated ground rails, and the absence of decoupling capacitors leads to poor power supply regulation when power domains are interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A configurable switch is introduced between the ground rails of two power domains, allowing for electrical isolation in one mode and electrical shorting in another, enabling effective power delivery while minimizing crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ground rails of two power domains are kept isolated to avoid capacitive coupling (crosstalk), then crosstalk between power domains is reduced, but power delivery between the two power domains cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a configurable switch that can dynamically change the electrical state between ground rails of different power domains. The switch can be enabled to electrically short the ground rails for power delivery mode, or disabled to electrically isolate them for crosstalk reduction mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining isolation for crosstalk reduction and enabling connection for power delivery.
2Reliability
If a decoupling capacitor is implemented between supply rail of first power domain and ground rail of second power domain to enable power delivery, then power supply regulation is improved, but capacitive coupling (crosstalk) between power domains increases when operating in isolated mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decoupling capacitor from the traditional configuration (between supply rail and ground rail of the same power domain) and relocates it to be between supply rail of one power domain and ground rail of another power domain. This extraction allows the capacitor to serve dual purposes: providing power supply regulation when power delivery is needed, while the configurable switch can isolate the ground rails when crosstalk must be minimized. The switch acts as a gate that controls when the capacitor's coupling effect is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurable switch enables dynamic control over the capacitor's coupling effect. When the switch is enabled, the capacitor provides power supply regulation by maintaining a low-impedance path. When the switch is disabled, the ground rails are isolated, effectively removing the capacitor's crosstalk-inducing coupling effect while preserving its power regulation benefit when needed.
3Productivity
If configurable switch is enabled to electrically short ground rails for power delivery, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but impedance management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable switch acts as an intermediary element between the ground rails of different power domains. It provides a controlled interface that can be enabled or disabled based on operational mode. When enabled, it creates a low-impedance path for efficient power delivery; when disabled, it provides high-impedance isolation. This intermediary simplifies impedance management by providing a clear, binary state control rather than requiring complex continuous impedance adjustment circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The configurable switch effectively manages impedance between power domains, reducing crosstalk and ensuring proper power supply regulation by providing a low-impedance path for high-frequency components, thus enhancing power delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a configurable switch coupled between the first ground rail and the second ground rail such that when the configurable switch is enabled, the first ground rail and the second ground rail are electrically shorted to one another and when the configurable switch is disabled, the first ground rail and the second ground rail are electrically isolated from one another
Implementation Method 2
Each power domain may have a decoupling capacitor between its respective supply rail and ground rail, in order to enable effective power supply regulation
Implementation Method 3
The configurable switch effectively manages impedance between power domains, reducing crosstalk and ensuring proper power supply regulation by providing a low-impedance path for high-frequency components
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first power domain defined by a first supply rail and a first ground rail, a second power domain defined by a second supply rail and a second ground rail, and a configurable switch coupled between the first ground rail and the second ground rail such that when the configurable switch is enabled, the first ground rail and the second ground rail are electrically shorted to one another and when the configurable switch is disabled, the first ground rail and the second ground rail are electrically isolated from one another.