Integrated Circuit Power Domains for Programmable Logic Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power management in integrated circuits (ICs) with both a processor system and programmable circuitry is challenging due to the need for efficient power consumption and independent control of these subsystems, as existing solutions do not allow for independent power cycling of programmable circuitry without affecting the processor system.

Innovation Solution

The IC includes a method and architecture where the processor system can power off and configure the programmable circuitry independently, allowing for power-efficient operation by initiating power-off procedures within the programmable circuitry while the processor remains operational, and enabling the processor to select and configure functionally equivalent circuits based on performance profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the processor system and programmable circuitry are powered off together, then power consumption is reduced, but the processor cannot continue executing code while programmable circuitry is reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprocessor execution continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the IC into separate power domains: a first power domain for the processor system and a second power domain for the programmable circuitry. This segmentation allows independent power control, enabling the processor to remain powered on and execute code while the programmable circuitry is powered off for reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing power consumption and maintaining processor productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the programmable circuitry is reconfigured while powered on, then system continuity is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem continuityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power supply into separate domains, the processor can maintain system continuity and handle critical operations while the programmable circuitry is powered off during reconfiguration. This eliminates the need to keep the entire system powered on during reconfiguration, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining essential system continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If independent power control of programmable circuitry is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by providing separate power domains with independent power management logic. Each domain has its own power control mechanisms, allowing the processor system and programmable circuitry to be powered independently. This segmented approach, while adding some complexity, provides the necessary power efficiency through independent control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces power management logic as an intermediary between the power supply and the IC components. This intermediary manages the independent power domains, coordinating power on/off transitions and ensuring proper power sequencing. The intermediary simplifies the overall power management complexity by centralizing control logic while enabling independent power domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the processor is placed in low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the processor cannot initiate power off procedures for programmable circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor domain and programmable circuitry domain are segmented into separate power domains. The processor can operate in low power mode within its domain while the programmable circuitry domain remains powered on and capable of receiving power off initiation signals. This segmentation allows the processor to maintain power control capability even in low power mode by having dedicated power management logic in each domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8612789B2Power management within an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 XILINX INC

AI summary

An integrated circuit can include a processor system configured to execute program code, wherein the processor system is hard-wired. The IC also can include programmable circuitry configurable to implement different physical circuits. The programmable circuitry can be coupled to the processor system and can be configured to implement a power off procedure under the control of the processor system.