IC Power Supply Voltage Regulation via PVT Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for regulating power supply voltage in integrated circuits (ICs) are inefficient, leading to excessive power dissipation and increased costs due to the inability to adjust voltage based on the manufacturing process and operating temperature of transistors, resulting in suboptimal performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit (IC) with a PVT detector that generates an interface control signal based on process, voltage, and temperature, which is used to adjust the power supply voltage through an interface circuit, allowing the power supply circuit to optimize the voltage provided to the IC, thereby minimizing power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply voltage is set to a worst-case value to ensure proper operation of all transistors, then reliability is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on transistor characteristics. Instead of using a fixed worst-case voltage for all transistors, the system adjusts the supply voltage to match each transistor's actual requirements determined by its process variant and temperature, thereby reducing power dissipation while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different transistors based on their individual characteristics. Each transistor receives a customized supply voltage tailored to its specific process variant (fast, slow, nominal) and operating temperature, rather than a uniform voltage applied to all transistors in the circuit.
2Loss of energy
If the supply voltage is reduced for transistors manufactured with a fast process, then power dissipation decreases, but the complexity of voltage regulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system first determines the process variant and temperature of each transistor, then uses this information to calculate and apply the appropriate supply voltage. This feedback loop enables automatic voltage adjustment without requiring complex manual regulation circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables transistors to effectively regulate their own operating conditions by providing them with appropriate voltage levels based on their inherent characteristics. Each transistor's process variant and temperature information is used to determine its optimal voltage requirement, allowing the system to self-adjust without external intervention.
3Device complexity
If a fixed supply voltage is used for all transistors, then device complexity is reduced, but power dissipation increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on transistor characteristics. Instead of using a fixed worst-case voltage for all transistors, the system adjusts the supply voltage to match each transistor's actual requirements determined by its process variant and temperature, thereby reducing power dissipation while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different transistors based on their individual characteristics. Each transistor receives a customized supply voltage tailored to its specific process variant (fast, slow, nominal) and operating temperature, rather than a uniform voltage applied to all transistors in the circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a circuit for adjusting a voltage supplied to an IC by a power supply circuit that produces a regulated-output voltage based on an output-control signal generated by a resistive voltage divider. The circuit includes a PVT detector configured to generate an interface control signal and an interface circuit (i) connected to PVT detector and to the resistive voltage divider and (ii) configured to adjust its resistance in response to the interface control signal. Adjusting the resistance of the interface circuit causes the voltage of the output-control signal to be adjusted, thus causing the power supply circuit to adjust the regulated output voltage.