Threshold-Sensed Inverter Circuit for Low-Power Clock Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inverter circuits face challenges in reducing power consumption for clock signals in LSI devices, as the amplitude of clock signals is difficult to adjust arbitrarily, especially at low power supply voltages, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
An inverter circuit design featuring N-channel and P-channel switches, a sensing circuit to detect output signal potential, and an input switch to control signal input based on threshold voltage, allowing flexible setting of output signal timing and amplitude, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If diodes are inserted to adjust output signal amplitude, then power consumption is reduced, but the amplitude level cannot be adjusted to an arbitrary potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for amplitude control from fixed diode forward voltage to variable capacitor voltage. By using a capacitor whose voltage can be dynamically adjusted, the output signal amplitude can be set to any desired level rather than being constrained to fixed values determined by diode characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary element between the power supply and the output signal line. This capacitor acts as a voltage mediator that can be charged to different voltage levels, thereby providing flexible amplitude control of the output signal without directly constraining it with fixed voltage elements like diodes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply voltage is reduced to lower clock signal amplitude, then power consumption is reduced, but it becomes difficult to generate potentials lower than the given voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension voltage approach (where output amplitude is directly tied to power supply voltage) to a two-dimension approach by introducing a separate voltage control dimension through the capacitor. The capacitor can be charged to a voltage lower than the power supply voltage, enabling amplitude control in a separate voltage dimension that is not constrained by the power supply level.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensing circuit and input switch are added to control signal input, then power consumption is reduced and through current is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing circuit continuously monitors the output signal voltage level and feeds this information back to the input switch control. When the output voltage reaches the desired amplitude, the sensing circuit triggers the input switch to turn off, preventing excessive current flow and optimizing power consumption through closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
A first switch receives an input signal. A second switch receives the input signal, in parallel with the first switch. An output potential sensing inverter detects the potential of an output signal derived from a connection point of the first switch and the second switch. Upon receipt of an output of the output potential sensing inverter, an input switch controls whether the input signal is inputted to the second switch or not. When the potential of the output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, the output potential sensing inverter performs control such that the input switch be turned off.