Programmable Logic Voltage Islands for Power Drop and Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing programmable logic devices face inefficiencies in power consumption due to uniform voltage supply, leading to potential voltage drops and noise on the power distribution network during high power draw.

Innovation Solution

Implementing redundancy logic circuits with level shifters and multiplexers to provide different voltage levels to various portions of the programmable logic device, optimizing power usage by stepping down voltage levels where necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If uniform voltage supply is used across the programmable logic device, then device simplicity is maintained, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates and voltage drops occur on the power distribution network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage supply structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution network is segmented into multiple voltage islands, each receiving different voltage levels from the power supply. This segmentation allows different regions of the programmable logic device to operate at optimized voltage levels, improving power consumption efficiency while managing the complexity through modular voltage distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different voltage levels are supplied to different voltage islands based on their specific power requirements. This local quality approach ensures that each region receives the appropriate voltage level for its operational needs, optimizing power efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire power distribution system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If higher voltage levels are supplied to meet peak power demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but power consumption increases and noise on the power distribution network worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidexcessive power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage levels supplied to different voltage islands are dynamically adjusted based on the operational state and power requirements of each region. This dynamic voltage scaling allows the system to deliver adequate power during peak demands while reducing power consumption during lower activity periods, preventing excessive energy loss and noise generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces overall power consumption while maintaining performance by allowing different voltage levels for different logic configurations, preventing voltage drops and noise on the power distribution network.

Implementation Method 1

a first level shifter that receives a supply voltage and steps-down the supply voltage to the first voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage level shifting:

Implementation Method 2

multiplexer circuitry that comprises a first multiplexer that remaps logic of a first programmable logic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal switching:

Data Source

PatentUS20250286555A1Power Management using Voltage Islands on Programmable Logic Devices

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

Systems or methods of the present disclosure may provide efficient electric power consumption of programmable logic devices based on providing different voltage levels to different portions (e.g., voltage islands) of the programmable logic device. For example, the programmable logic device may include circuitry to provide different voltage levels to different voltage islands. The programmable logic device may implement and operate logic configurations with different operating parameters using different operating voltages for efficient electric power consumption.