Integrated Circuit Voltage Regulation via Timing Margin Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits have a fixed relationship between voltage and frequency, which cannot be adjusted after fabrication, making it difficult to balance power consumption and performance across varying applications and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computer-aided design (CAD) tool to determine timing margins and adjust the supply voltage of an integrated circuit based on temperature changes and timing constraints, allowing for dynamic voltage adjustments post-fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the supply voltage is increased to improve performance, then the gate delays are reduced and clocking frequency can be increased, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage-frequency scaling (DVFS) that allows the integrated circuit to operate at multiple discrete voltage-frequency points. The voltage and frequency are dynamically adjusted based on current workload requirements, transitioning between high-performance high-voltage modes and low-power low-voltage modes as needed, rather than being fixed at design time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of voltage and frequency from fixed design-time values to adjustable runtime parameters. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize the trade-off between performance and power consumption for different operational conditions without altering the physical circuit structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is lowered, but performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency based on actual workload demands. When low power consumption is the priority, the system transitions to lower voltage-frequency states. When performance is needed, it transitions to higher voltage-frequency states, making the power-performance trade-off flexible rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables runtime adjustment of voltage and frequency parameters, allowing the system to optimize power consumption when performance demands are low while maintaining the ability to boost performance when needed, rather than being constrained by fixed design-time parameter selections
3Device complexity
If the voltage-frequency relationship is fixed at design time, then the circuit structure is simplified, but adaptability to varying applications and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow voltage and frequency to be adjusted during operation based on workload requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through control logic and voltage regulator circuits that respond to system conditions, adding adaptability without fundamentally redesigning the circuit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal voltage-frequency control mechanism that can adapt to multiple different applications and operating conditions using the same circuit structure. The DVFS infrastructure enables a single circuit design to serve multiple functions across varying workloads without requiring application-specific custom designs
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to regulating the supply voltage of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may implement a circuit design. The circuit design implementation may meet timing constraints with timing margins when operated with the integrated circuit at a nominal supply voltage level. The integrated circuit may further include a voltage identification controller. The voltage identification controller may determine a reduced voltage level based at least on the timing margins such that operating the circuit design implementation with the integrated circuit meets timing constraints. The voltage identification controller may direct a voltage regulator, which may be included in the integrated circuit or located outside the integrated circuit, to reduce the supply voltage level from the nominal supply voltage level to the reduced voltage level, thereby reducing the power consumption of the integrated circuit.