Memory Power Management Circuit for Multi-Voltage Domain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) become smaller and more complex, the decreasing operating voltages affect IC performance, and existing level shifter circuits struggle to efficiently manage power consumption across different voltage domains, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that includes a power management circuit capable of generating multiple output control signals to manage voltage domains, enabling a dual-rail design and automatic power management modes, such as sleep or shut-down, by shifting control signals between VDD and VDDM voltage domains using level shifter circuits and logic gates, allowing for reduced power consumption and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If operating voltage is decreased to enable smaller and more complex ICs, then device size and complexity are improved, but power consumption management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit is segmented into multiple independent voltage domains (VDD and VDDM), each capable of being controlled separately. This allows selective power management of different circuit blocks operating at different voltages, improving overall power efficiency while supporting complex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements dynamic power management by automatically transitioning between different power modes (normal operation, sleep, shut-down) based on operational conditions. The level shifter circuits dynamically adjust control signals between voltage domains to enable flexible power state changes without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If level shifter circuits are used to manage different voltage domains, then adaptability across voltage domains is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit automatically generates control signals for voltage domain transitions without external intervention. The level shifters and logic gates work autonomously to manage power states, reducing the need for additional control circuitry and minimizing overhead power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes operational parameters (voltage levels, control signal states) to optimize power consumption based on the active voltage domain. By dynamically adjusting control signal parameters between VDD and VDDM domains, the circuit achieves efficient power management while maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If manual power management control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit autonomously monitors operational conditions and automatically transitions between power modes without requiring manual control. This self-managing capability simplifies the user interface while providing intelligent power optimization across different voltage domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements feedback mechanisms where the operational state of different voltage domains is continuously monitored, and control signals are automatically adjusted based on this feedback. This enables automatic entry into sleep or shut-down modes when appropriate, improving ease of operation without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a power management circuit and a memory circuit. The power management circuit is configured to receive a first control signal and a second control signal, and to supply a first supply voltage, a second supply voltage and a third supply voltage. The first control signal has a first voltage swing, and the second control signal has a second voltage swing different from the first voltage swing. The first control signal causes the power management circuit to enter a power management mode having a first state and a second state. The memory circuit is coupled to the power management circuit, and is in the first state or the second state in response to at least the first supply voltage supplied by the power management circuit.