Internal Power Plane Circuit for Fewer IC Supply Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face a challenge in efficiently allocating external power and ground pins due to physical constraints, leading to a limited number of pins available for signal transmission, as a significant proportion of pins are dedicated to power and ground, restricting the device's functionality and interface capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of internal power and ground plane circuits that step-down voltage and step-up current, allowing for a reduced number of external power and ground pins by increasing the voltage while decreasing current, thereby reallocating unused pins for signal purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of external power and ground pins is increased to improve power delivery capability, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the number of available signal pins is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power input by accepting a higher external supply voltage (e.g., 5V) and internally converting it to the required internal supply voltage (e.g., 3.3V). This voltage transformation allows the device to achieve the power delivery capability of multiple pins through a single pin, as the higher input voltage compensates for the reduced current capacity of fewer pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal power conversion circuit as an intermediary between the external power input pin and the internal power distribution network. This circuit converts the higher external voltage to the required internal voltage levels, enabling efficient power delivery through fewer external pins while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of external power pins is reduced to increase signal pin availability, then the adaptability is improved, but the power delivery capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the power delivery approach by changing the voltage parameter - using a higher external supply voltage allows the same power (P=VI) to be delivered through lower current, which reduces the required pin count while maintaining power delivery capability.
3Productivity
If higher external supply voltage is used with fewer pins, then the power delivery efficiency is improved, but the voltage level mismatch with internal circuits occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal power conversion circuit as an intermediary that bridges the voltage level mismatch between the higher external supply voltage and the lower internal circuit requirements, managing the complexity internally while maintaining external simplicity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If more pins are allocated to power and ground, then the power supply stability is improved, but the device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter to enable stable power delivery through fewer pins, using higher external voltage combined with internal conversion to maintain both stability and functionality.
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 a microelectronic device to maintain power delivery with fewer external pins, reducing heat issues and increasing predictability, while allowing for more pins to be used for data signals, thereby enhancing functionality and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
An internal power plane circuit is coupled to the external power input pin and configured to step-down a voltage from the external supply voltage level to the internal supply voltage level and to step-up a current from the external supply current level to the internal supply current level
Implementation Method 2
An internal ground plane circuit is coupled to the external ground pin and configured to either step-down a voltage from the ground voltage level down to the negative external sink voltage level or step-up a voltage from the negative external sink voltage level up to the ground voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods relating generally to reduction of allocation of external power and/or ground pins of a microelectronic device are disclosed. In one such apparatus, an external power input pin is configured for receiving an input supply-side power having an external supply voltage level higher than an internal supply voltage level and an external supply current level lower than an internal supply current level. An internal power plane circuit coupled to the external power input pin is configured to step-down a voltage from the external supply voltage level to the internal supply voltage level and to step-up a current from the external supply current level to the internal supply current level to provide an internal power source.