Microcomputer IO Buffer Power Segmentation for Standby Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcomputer designs face challenges in maintaining IO output states during deep standby mode due to unclear power supply configurations for voltage-boosting and voltage-lowering circuits, leading to potential IR drops and design complexities.
Innovation Solution
A microcomputer configuration with IO buffers operating on an IO power supply system, surrounded by an always-on power supply area and power supply cut-off areas, utilizing cut cells and level shifters to isolate and control IO buffers, and a standby control unit to manage IO output hold signals, ensuring IO output states are maintained during standby mode without increasing the always-on power supply area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If level shifters are supplied with electric power from internal power supply 1, then power consumption is reduced during deep standby mode, but the holding operation of IO output cannot be ensured because voltage-boosting circuits are suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple independent power supply areas (first power supply area with internal power supply 1, second power supply area with internal power supply 2, third power supply area with IO power supply). This segmentation allows different areas to be powered independently, enabling level shifters to receive power from the IO power supply area during deep standby mode while maintaining low power consumption in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cut cells as intermediary components that isolate the first power supply area from the second and third power supply areas. These cut cells include level shifters that convert voltage levels between different power supply domains, enabling proper signal transmission while maintaining independent power control for IO buffer holding operations during deep standby mode.
2Reliability
If always-on power supply area surrounds power supply cut-off areas to supply power to level shifters, then IO output holding is ensured, but chip area increases and IR drops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chip into multiple power supply areas with distinct functions: a first power supply area for main logic, a second power supply area for IO buffers, and a third power supply area for level shifters. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large surrounding always-on power supply area, reducing chip area while ensuring proper power delivery to level shifters through the cut cell isolation architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing power supply specific to each functional area's requirements. The IO power supply area supplies power to level shifters and IO buffers independently, ensuring they can maintain IO output holding without requiring the entire chip to be surrounded by an always-on power supply area, thus reducing overall chip area.
3Reliability
If always-on power supply area surrounds power supply cut-off areas, then power delivery to level shifters is ensured, but IR drops occur due to larger power supply area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into multiple independent areas, allowing power to be delivered directly to level shifters in the third power supply area without requiring current to traverse through a large surrounding always-on power supply area. This reduces the path length and cross-sectional area of power supply traces, minimizing IR drops while ensuring reliable power delivery to level shifters during deep standby mode.
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
This configuration allows for flexible arrangement of IO buffers and power supply areas, reduces chip size, and prevents IR drops, ensuring reliable IO output holding during standby and recovery modes.
Implementation Method 1
a level shifter that shifts a voltage level of the IO output hold signal to a voltage level of an adjacent power supply system
Data Source
AI summary
IO buffers that operate with an IO power supply system and cut cells that isolate the IO buffers from each other are disposed on the periphery of an always-on power supply area and a power supply cut-off available area. A signal indicating the holding of an IO output(s) output from the always-on power supply area is wired so as to go round the IO buffers and the cut cells. The cut cell includes a level shifter that operates with an IO power supply system. The cut cell shifts the level of signal indicating the holding of IO output so that the signal level conforms to the power supply system of IO buffers, and outputs the resultant signal to the IO buffers.