Logic Element Stability Detection for IC Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing integrated circuits to minimize power consumption is challenging due to the need to determine when logic elements can be disabled without impacting functionality, often requiring additional logic that consumes more power than the original design.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design system that identifies conditions where the output of a logic element remains stable before and after a clock signal, allowing the logic element to be disabled for power savings without affecting functionality, using methods such as identifying stable input signals and generating stability-based enable signals to reduce power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If additional logic is added to determine when disabling is appropriate, then the ability to save power is improved, but the power consumption of the additional logic increases the total power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis during the design phase to identify stable conditions before the circuit is deployed. By pre-determining which logic elements can be safely disabled under stable conditions, the system avoids the need for additional runtime detection logic, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design system automatically analyzes the circuit to identify stable conditions and generates disabling conditions without requiring external intervention or additional monitoring logic. The system serves itself by using the existing signal stability information to determine when logic can be disabled, eliminating the need for separate power management logic.
2Loss of energy
If logic elements are disabled to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the functionality of the integrated circuit may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of logic elements based on signal stability conditions. By analyzing whether signals are in stable states (where output equals input), the system dynamically adjusts the enable/disable state of logic elements. This parameter-based approach ensures that logic is only disabled when stability conditions are met, maintaining functionality while saving power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal stability analysis to control logic element operation. By continuously monitoring whether signals satisfy the stability condition (output == input), the system feedback-driven enables or disables logic elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power savings are achieved only when functionality is preserved, as the stability condition itself serves as the feedback criterion.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit design system, method, and computer program product are provided that takes into account signal stability. In use, at least one condition is identified where an output of a logic element before receipt of a clock signal is the same as the output of the logic element after receipt of the clock signal. To this end, such logic element may be disabled based on the identified condition for power savings or other purposes.