I/O Region Power Controller for Low Power Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face performance and power consumption issues due to the need for the CPU to transition through various power modes, which requires waking up the CPU core to execute software, leading to longer wake-up times and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power controller is integrated into the I/O region of the integrated circuit die, outside the main logic area, allowing it to transition logic modules between power states without CPU intervention, using a separate supply voltage and operating independently to manage power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the CPU core is placed in a standby state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the wakeup time to transition to operational mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power mode transition function into two separate components: the CPU core that executes software, and a dedicated power mode controller that handles transitions. This segmentation allows the CPU to remain in standby while the power mode controller independently manages power state changes, reducing wakeup time without increasing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power mode controller acts as an intermediary between the CPU core and the power management system. It receives transition requests and executes them without requiring the CPU to wake up, effectively mediating the power state changes and eliminating the trade-off between low power consumption and fast wakeup time.
2Ease of operation
If the CPU core executes software to transition between power modes, then power mode transitions can be controlled, but the CPU must wake up from standby which increases power consumption and reduces performance
Solution Approach 1:
The power mode controller is designed to autonomously manage power mode transitions without requiring CPU intervention. It can independently execute transition sequences and control power states, allowing the system to maintain power mode control capabilities while the CPU remains in a low-power standby state, thus preserving both ease of operation and system performance.
3Extent of automation
If a central power mode controller is implemented to manage power modes, then power mode transitions are controlled, but the controller requires CPU intervention which increases wakeup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power mode management function from the CPU core by implementing a dedicated power mode controller. This separate controller can autonomously execute power mode transitions without requiring CPU wakeups, achieving high automation in power management while eliminating the time penalty associated with CPU wakeups.
Solution Approach 2:
The power mode controller serves as an intermediary layer between the CPU and the power management hardware. It handles all power mode transition operations independently, allowing automated power management while preventing the need for CPU intervention and associated wakeup delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses an integrated circuit having a power controller that can manage power modes of a system when the system is in a low power mode. According to an embodiment, a power controller is built into an input/output (I/O) region of and integrated circuit die, wherein the I/O region is outside the main logic area of the die. The same supply voltage that powers the I/O region of the device can power the power controller. The power controller can operate to transition the integrated circuit die between power modes by transitioning logic modules of the integrated circuit between power states without intervention by the logic modules.