Internal Charge Transfer Circuits for Fast Sleep-Wake Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit designs lack circuit-level control over sleep mode transitions, leading to inefficient power management and slow switching between sleep and normal modes in digital systems.
Innovation Solution
A charge transfer mechanism within the chip is used to rapidly transition between sleep and normal modes by transferring charges among supply voltage, ground voltage, and backgate voltage nodes, utilizing switches to manage these operations internally, reducing external power involvement and expediting sleep mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional sleep mode transition methods are used, then power management is simplified, but transition speed is slow and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power management control into two levels: subsystem level (conventional) and circuit level (new). By adding circuit-level control through internal charge transfer mechanisms, the system can manage power consumption more granularly, enabling faster transitions without excessive power usage while maintaining compatibility with existing subsystem-level power management.
2Speed
If internal charge transfer mechanism is implemented, then transition speed increases significantly, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge transfer mechanism uses internally stored charges at circuit nodes to effect mode transitions. The circuit serves itself by utilizing existing charge storage capabilities of its nodes, eliminating the need for external power involvement during transitions. This self-service approach enables fast transitions (over 7 times faster than conventional methods) without requiring complex external control infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If external power involvement is reduced, then power management efficiency improves, but control capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares charge storage at circuit nodes in advance during normal operation. When a mode transition is needed, the pre-stored charges are immediately utilized, eliminating the need for external power involvement during the actual transition. This preliminary action enables both high power management efficiency and rapid control response, achieving transitions in less than 20 nanoseconds.
4Productivity
If fast switching between sleep and normal modes is implemented, then power usage efficiency improves, but circuit stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts circuit operation mode based on power management needs by utilizing internal charge transfers. The circuit can rapidly transition between sleep and normal modes (achieving over 7 times faster transitions than conventional methods) while maintaining stability through controlled internal charge redistribution that doesn't disrupt overall circuit integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables fast and efficient mode transitions, minimizing power consumption and maximizing performance, with transitions occurring in less than 20 nanoseconds, which is over 7 times faster than conventional methods, while maintaining low current spikes and reducing device damage.
Implementation Method 1
a charge transfer mechanism coupled to the supply voltage node, the ground voltage node, and the set of backgate voltage nodes, the charge transfer mechanism being configured to transfer charge among the supply voltage node, the ground voltage node, and the set of backgate voltage nodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention enables fast transition between sleep and normal modes for circuits such as digital circuits. This invention utilizes chip internal charge transfer operations to put the circuit into fast sleep. The invention reduces external power involvement, and it expedites the sleep mode transition time by limiting charge transfers within the circuit. The fast sleep and fast wake-up enable more efficient power management of the system. This functionality also maximizes performance per power, and provides a more energy efficient computing architecture.