Active Interposer Buck Regulation for Low-Loss Processor Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation methods struggle to efficiently power processor power domains close to the chip, leading to inefficiencies such as leakage power, I2R/conduction power loss, and increased carbon footprint due to the use of external regulators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-stage processor voltage regulation system with a buck switching regulator on an active interposer for pre-regulation, followed by precise regulation using on-chip regulators, reducing the need for external regulators and enhancing control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external regulators are used for voltage regulation, then voltage regulation function is provided, but leakage power and I2R/conduction power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation function is extracted from external regulators and integrated directly into the processor chip. The patent implements on-chip voltage regulators that are coupled to power domains within the processor, eliminating the need for separate external regulator components and their associated power losses in transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate voltage regulation stage within the processor chip architecture. By placing voltage regulators on the chip itself rather than externally, the system creates an intermediate regulation point that reduces the distance for power delivery and minimizes I2R losses in the power distribution network.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external regulators are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but carbon footprint and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function with the processor chip by integrating on-chip voltage regulators. This consolidation eliminates separate external regulator components, reducing the overall system footprint and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of additional electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor chip is designed to perform multiple functions including both processing and voltage regulation. The on-chip voltage regulators are integrated into the processor architecture, allowing the chip to serve as both the computational core and the power management unit, thereby reducing the total component count and associated carbon footprint.
3Measurement precision
If on-chip voltage regulators are implemented, then precise voltage control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulation into multiple stages: external regulators provide initial voltage conversion, and on-chip voltage regulators provide final precise regulation for specific power domains. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, with on-chip regulators handling only the precision control aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements voltage regulation with local quality by placing on-chip voltage regulators specifically at the power domains where precise control is needed within the processor. This targeted approach provides high precision voltage control only where required rather than uniformly across the entire chip, managing complexity efficiently.
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 reduces leakage power, lowers I2R/conduction power loss, and decreases the carbon footprint while providing cost and space savings by minimizing the use of external regulators, thus improving overall system performance and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
buck switching regulator circuit
Implementation Method 2
buck switching regulator circuit
Implementation Method 3
on-chip voltage regulators
Data Source
AI summary
Two-stage processor voltage regulation according to an example includes receiving, by a buck switching regulator circuit formed in an active interposer that is positioned on a module, a voltage. The buck switching regulator circuit outputs to each of one or more chip dies positioned on the active interposer based on the received voltage, a first regulated voltage. Each of one or more on-chip voltage regulators in each of the one or more chip dies generates based on the first regulated voltage, a respective second regulated voltage.