Hybrid Power Switch Virtual Supply Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in managing power dissipation and voltage levels across different circuit blocks, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and leakage current, especially when certain blocks are inactive or switch operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A power switch apparatus and method that couples a circuit block to a virtual power supply signal and a power supply signal, allowing for voltage level reduction and current control through control signals, using transconductance devices to manage power distribution and impedance between the signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a circuit block is decoupled from its power supply to reduce power dissipation, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit block cannot resume operation without re-coupling delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging a virtual power supply node to an intermediate voltage level before the circuit block is fully powered down. This intermediate charge allows the circuit block to resume operation faster by reducing the charging time required when re-coupling occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between power savings and resumption speed.
2Loss of energy
If voltage levels are reduced in a power domain to save power, then active power consumption is reduced, but voltage droops may occur affecting other circuit blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply architecture by introducing a virtual power supply node that is electrically isolated from the main power domain through a power switch. This segmentation allows independent voltage control - the virtual power supply can be reduced to save power while the main power domain maintains stable voltage levels, preventing voltage droops from affecting other circuit blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual power supply node as an intermediary between the main power supply and the circuit block. This intermediary can be selectively charged to intermediate levels and isolated via a power switch, allowing power reduction without causing voltage droops in the main power domain that would affect other circuit blocks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power switch is used to control coupling between power supply and circuit block, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a power switch circuit where a single switch element performs multiple functions: it controls the coupling between the main power supply and virtual power supply node, enables intermediate voltage charging, and provides isolation during power reduction. This multi-functionality achieves high power management flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a power switch are disclosed. A power switch may be coupled between a power supply signal and a virtual power supply signal coupled to a circuit block. The power switch may be configured to couple the power supply signal to the virtual power supply signal based on a first control signal, and reduce a voltage level of the virtual power supply signal to a voltage level less than a voltage level of the power supply signal based on a second control signal. The power switch may be further configured to change a current flowing from the power supply signal to the virtual power supply signal based on a third control signal.