Mixed Voltage Non-Volatile Memory IC Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit dies that use multiple voltages face inefficiencies in power consumption as they continue to supply power to all circuits, even when not all are operational, leading to increased total power requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a DC-DC voltage regulator system that enables separate voltage sources for different circuit elements, allowing only necessary circuits to be powered at specific times, with current sensing circuits controlling the regulator to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single voltage source supplies power to all circuits in the integrated circuit die, then power distribution is simplified, but power consumption increases because all circuits remain powered even when not operational
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent voltage sources: a first voltage source (3.0V) for I/O circuits and a second voltage source (1.8V) for core circuits. This segmentation allows each voltage source to independently power only the circuits that require it, eliminating the need to supply power to all circuits simultaneously and thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different voltage sources are assigned to different circuit regions based on their specific power requirements. The first voltage source powers I/O circuits that require higher voltage, while the second voltage source powers core circuits that operate at lower voltage. This local quality approach ensures that each circuit region receives the appropriate voltage level, optimizing power efficiency while maintaining circuit functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a DC-DC voltage regulator is used to generate separate voltage sources, then power consumption is reduced by powering only necessary circuits, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC voltage regulator is configured to generate the second voltage (1.8V) from the first voltage (3.0V) in advance, before the core circuits are activated. This preliminary voltage generation allows the system to quickly switch between power modes without requiring complex real-time voltage conversion, thereby reducing power consumption while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC voltage regulator acts as an intermediary component that converts the first voltage (3.0V) to the second voltage (1.8V). This intermediary voltage conversion mechanism enables independent power supply to different circuit blocks, achieving power consumption reduction while maintaining manageable device complexity through a dedicated voltage conversion stage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If current sensing circuits control the voltage regulator to optimize power usage, then power efficiency is enhanced, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Current sensing circuits are implemented to detect the current consumption of different circuit blocks and provide feedback signals to the DC-DC voltage regulator. This feedback mechanism enables the regulator to dynamically adjust its operation, powering only the circuits that currently require power, thereby enhancing power efficiency while managing control complexity through automated feedback-based regulation.
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 approach reduces power consumption by ensuring only operational circuits receive power, thereby minimizing overall power requirements and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC voltage regulator 30 from which a source of 1.8 volts is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit die has a first die pad for receiving a first voltage and a second die pad for receiving a second voltage. The second voltage is less than the first voltage and is generated by a voltage regulator that receives the first voltage. A first circuit which is operable at the first voltage is in the integrated circuit die. A second circuit which is operable at the second voltage is in the integrated circuit die and is connected to the second die pad. The voltage regulator is enabled by a controller.