Programmable IC Voltage Domains for Power-Performance Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in reducing power consumption and production yield due to defects and high leakage current, which impact operating costs and performance.
Innovation Solution
A programmable integrated circuit with individually controlled voltage domains, where the voltage magnitude and bias of each domain can be independently adjusted to balance performance and power consumption, using level shifters and a semiconductor interposer to manage power networks and signaling protocols across multiple voltage domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If voltage magnitude is increased to improve performance, then logic circuitry performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into multiple independently controllable voltage domains, each with its own power network and voltage magnitude control. This segmentation allows different regions of the circuit to operate at different voltage levels optimized for their specific functions, rather than the entire circuit running at a single high voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
Each voltage domain can have its voltage magnitude independently adjusted according to the specific performance requirements of the logic circuitry in that domain. Critical performance areas can operate at higher voltages while non-critical areas operate at lower voltages to minimize overall power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage magnitude is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but logic circuitry performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage magnitude in each domain can be dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. During active periods, voltage can be increased to boost performance; during inactive or low-demand periods, voltage can be reduced to minimize power consumption. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing workload requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can periodically adjust voltage magnitudes based on activity patterns. During active intervals, higher voltage provides necessary performance; during inactive intervals, lower voltage reduces leakage and static power consumption, creating a periodic pattern of high and low power states that optimizes overall energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage domains are created with independent control, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage domain control architecture uses universal control mechanisms that can manage multiple domains through standardized interfaces and control logic. The power network and control structures are designed to handle any number of voltage domains, making the system scalable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Level shifters are introduced as intermediary components between voltage domains with different voltage magnitudes. These level shifters handle the complexity of voltage translation and signaling protocol conversion, allowing the main control logic to operate at a higher level without directly managing the complexities of multiple voltage levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If level shifters are added to couple voltage domains, then signaling compatibility between domains is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Level shifters serve as intermediary components between voltage domains with different voltage magnitudes and signaling protocols. They translate signals from one voltage reference to another, enabling communication between domains without requiring complex control logic in the main system. This localized handling of voltage translation minimizes the complexity burden on the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable integrated circuit having a plurality of individually controlled voltage domains. Each voltage domain includes logic circuitry powered by a respective power network. The voltage magnitude of each power network is independently selectable. Each of a plurality of level shifters couples a first and second one of the voltage domains, couples a first port of the logic circuitry of the first voltage domain to a second port of the logic circuitry of the second voltage domain, and shifts from a first signaling protocol of the first port to a second signaling protocol of the second port. The first signaling protocol is referenced to the voltage magnitude of the first voltage domain, and the second signaling protocol is referenced to the voltage magnitude of the second voltage domain. Means are disclosed for controlling the voltage magnitude of the respective power network of one or more of the voltage domains.