Interrupt Request Spreader Circuit for SoC In-Rush Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor and multi-core systems, sudden wake-ups due to simultaneous interrupt requests can cause in-rush currents, leading to operational malfunctions and reduced reliability in systems-on-chip (SoCs) as devices become smaller and more power-efficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interrupt request signal spreader circuit that controls the time intervals between interrupt request signals to be greater than or equal to a threshold, preventing processors from rapidly transitioning from a low-power state to an active state, thereby suppressing in-rush currents and ensuring high operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processors wake-up from low-power mode in response to interrupt request signals, then interrupt handling capability is improved, but in-rush currents occur causing operational malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt request signal spreader circuit performs preliminary action by controlling the timing of interrupt request signal outputs. It spreads out multiple interrupt requests over time, ensuring that processors wake up sequentially rather than simultaneously, thereby preventing in-rush currents before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt request signal spreader circuit acts as an intermediary between the interrupt controller and processors. It receives multiple interrupt requests and mediates their delivery to processors by introducing time delays, thus preventing simultaneous wake-up and the resulting in-rush currents while still maintaining interrupt handling capability.
2Productivity
If multiple interrupt requests are handled simultaneously, then interrupt processing speed is improved, but sudden wake-ups cause in-rush currents
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt request signal spreader circuit implements periodic action by delivering interrupt requests at regulated time intervals. Instead of simultaneous delivery, it spaces out the interrupt requests periodically, ensuring that processors wake up at different times and avoiding in-rush currents while still maintaining efficient interrupt processing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If processors enter low-power mode frequently, then power consumption is reduced, but sudden wake-ups from low-power mode cause in-rush currents
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt request signal spreader circuit performs preliminary action by pre-controlling the wake-up timing of processors. It ensures that even when processors frequently enter low-power mode to reduce consumption, their wake-up is spread out over time, preventing in-rush currents from occurring during these frequent transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of power control for a system-on-chip, output of at least one of a first wakeup request signal and a second wakeup request signal is controlled such that a time interval between the output of the first wakeup request signal and the output of the second wakeup request signal is greater than or equal to a time interval threshold. The first wakeup request signal and the second wakeup request signal are one of concurrent and consecutive wakeup request signals.