Latch-Based Power Monitoring Circuit for Multi-Domain Voltage Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power monitoring circuits have high static power consumption, making them unsuitable for low-power devices and requiring multiple monitoring circuits for devices with independently-powered domains, which further increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power monitoring circuit using cross-coupled CMOS inverters, Schmitt triggers, and SR latches to compare and select the highest or lowest of multiple supply voltages, with zero static power consumption by utilizing regenerative latch-based comparator circuitry and offset reduction circuitry to enhance accuracy and reduce power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power monitoring circuits are used to determine the highest supply voltage, then voltage monitoring function is achieved, but static power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using clock signals to periodically enable and disable the monitoring circuitry. The circuit operates in periodic cycles where monitoring is activated only when needed, rather than continuously, thereby dramatically reducing static power consumption while maintaining the voltage monitoring function when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the monitoring circuit configurable and adaptable to different operating conditions. The circuit can dynamically adjust its operation mode based on system requirements, transitioning between active monitoring and low-power states, and can be selectively enabled or disabled for different voltage domains
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent power domains are monitored using traditional circuits, then comprehensive voltage monitoring is achieved, but total power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized monitoring circuit block that can be replicated and applied across multiple voltage domains. Each domain uses the same circuit architecture, which can be independently enabled or disabled. This allows comprehensive multi-domain monitoring capability while consuming power only in the domains that are currently active, rather than continuously powering all monitoring circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring system into separate, independently controllable blocks for each voltage domain. Each domain's monitoring circuit can be selectively activated or deactivated based on whether that domain is currently powered, allowing the system to monitor multiple domains without continuously consuming power for all of them
Data Source
AI summary
Power monitoring circuitry. In some embodiments, comparator circuitry may be configured to receive a first voltage value and a second voltage value, and to identify the greater of the first and second voltage values. Selector circuitry coupled to the comparator circuitry may be configured to power one or more components within the comparator circuitry with a supply voltage corresponding to the greater voltage value. In other embodiments, a method may include identifying, via a comparator, the largest among a plurality of voltage values, and powering one or more logic components within the comparator with the identified voltage value.