Integrated Power Gating for Deep-Sleep and Power-Down Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption during deep-sleep and power-down modes, often requiring a large number of commands and address signals, which increases design complexity and power usage.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with integrated power gating circuits and a control circuit that generates mode signals to disconnect voltages based on specific modes, reducing power consumption by minimizing unnecessary power usage through optimized command signal handling and voltage management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate power gating circuits are used for deep-sleep and power-down modes, then power consumption control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines deep-sleep mode control and power-down mode control into a single integrated power gating circuit. The circuit uses a mode selection signal to switch between two operational states: when the mode signal indicates deep-sleep mode, the circuit disconnects power to both first and second internal circuits; when the mode signal indicates power-down mode, the circuit disconnects power only to the second internal circuit while maintaining power to the first internal circuit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate power gating circuits needed while maintaining comprehensive power management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power gating circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in deep-sleep mode to disconnect power to all internal circuits, in power-down mode to disconnect power to specific internal circuits while maintaining others, and can be controlled through a unified control interface. The circuit accepts mode selection signals and command signals to determine its operational state, making it a universal power management solution that handles both deep-sleep and power-down requirements through a single multi-functional unit.
2Loss of energy
If multiple command signals and address signals are used to manage power modes, then power consumption control is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a unified control interface that accepts a single command signal and a mode selection signal to manage both deep-sleep and power-down modes. The mode selection signal determines the operational state of the power gating circuit, while the command signal triggers the actual power disconnection. This universal control mechanism eliminates the need for separate command and address signal sets for different power modes, reducing signal complexity while maintaining comprehensive power management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the mode selection signal. When the mode signal indicates deep-sleep mode, the circuit responds to commands by disconnecting power to all internal circuits; when the mode signal indicates power-down mode, the circuit responds by disconnecting power only to the second internal circuit. This dynamic adaptation allows a single control interface to manage multiple power modes effectively without requiring separate dedicated signal paths for each mode.
3Device complexity
If integrated power gating circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power modes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power gating circuit incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different power modes through mode selection signals. The circuit includes control logic that responds differently to command signals based on the current mode state: in deep-sleep mode, it disconnects power to both first and second internal circuits; in power-down mode, it selectively disconnects power to the second internal circuit while maintaining power to the first internal circuit. This dynamic behavior ensures full adaptability to different power modes despite the unified circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power gating circuit internally segments control functions into distinct control paths for different power modes. The circuit separates the control logic for deep-sleep mode (affecting both internal circuits) from power-down mode (affecting only the second internal circuit), allowing independent optimization of each mode's power management while maintaining a unified external interface. This internal segmentation enables the circuit to provide mode-specific power management capabilities without requiring separate external control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a first internal circuit coupled to first and second voltage terminals for receiving first and second voltages; a second internal circuit coupled to the first and second voltage terminals for receiving the first and second voltages; a first power gating circuit coupled between at least one of the first and second voltage terminals and the first internal circuit, the first power gating circuit being suitable for disconnecting at least one of the first and second voltages based on a first mode signal in a first mode; a second power gating circuit coupled between at least one of the first and second voltage terminals and the second internal circuit, the second power gating circuit being suitable for disconnecting at least one of the first and second voltages based on an integrated mode signal in the first mode and a second mode; and a control circuit suitable for generating the first mode signal and the integrated mode signal.