Input Circuit Voltage Switching to Cut Inverter Flow-Through Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input circuits for semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining efficient signal processing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed integrated circuit device incorporates a specific input circuit configuration that includes transistors, resistance elements, and a current source, allowing for the switching of output voltage between internal and external power supply voltages based on input signals, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional input circuit is used, then signal transmission is maintained, but power consumption is high due to flow-through current in the inverter circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two power supply voltages (first power supply voltage and second power supply voltage) for the inverter circuit based on the input signal state. When the input signal is at a first level, the inverter circuit operates with the first power supply voltage; when the input signal is at a second level, it switches to the second power supply voltage. This dynamic voltage switching reduces flow-through current and power consumption while maintaining signal transmission capability throughout the transition cycles.
2Loss of energy
If power supply voltage is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but signal processing capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on the input signal level. The switching circuit responds to input signal transitions and adjusts the power supply voltage to the inverter circuit accordingly. This parameter change strategy reduces energy loss during steady states while ensuring adequate signal processing capability during transitions, optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and processing performance.
3Power
If flow-through current is reduced in the inverter circuit, then power consumption decreases, but switching speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between different power supply voltages synchronized with the input signal transitions. The switching circuit activates the alternative power supply voltage in periodic intervals corresponding to signal level changes, reducing average power consumption while maintaining adequate switching speed during active transitions. This periodic action creates a rhythm of high-performance operation during transitions and low-power operation during steady states.
Data Source
AI summary
In a device, a first transistor has a gate connected to an input. A first resistance is connected between one end of the first transistor and a first power supply line. A second resistance is connected between the other end of the first transistor and the second power supply line. A second transistor has a gate connected to a first node between the first transistor and the first resistance, and one end thereof is connected to the first power supply line. A current source is connected to the other end of the second transistor and the second power supply line. An inverter circuit has an input part connected to a second node between the second transistor and the current source, has an output part connected to an output, and outputs a voltage on any of the first power supply line or the second power supply line from the output.