Multi-Die Voltage Regulator Feedback for Dynamic Supply Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuit (IC) packages with multiple dies face challenges in providing varying supply voltages due to differing performance, frequency, and power consumption requirements across dies, which change over time and between applications.

Innovation Solution

A first voltage regulator circuit controls multiple integrated voltage regulator circuits to adjust supply voltages dynamically based on feedback signals, using fully integrated, on-package, or on-board regulators to maintain constant voltages despite capacitive load variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple integrated circuit dies are used in an IC package, then functionality and performance are improved, but providing varying supply voltages to each die becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance requirementsVSAvoidvoltage regulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulation system is segmented into a master voltage regulator circuit that receives high-side voltage and multiple slave voltage regulator circuits that provide regulated voltage to individual IC dies. Each slave regulator can be independently controlled to provide different voltage levels to different dies, enabling customized power delivery without requiring a separate voltage regulator for each die.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master voltage regulator circuit serves multiple functions by providing high-side voltage to multiple slave regulator circuits simultaneously. The slave regulator circuits can be selectively enabled or disabled based on which IC dies are present or active, making the system universally applicable to different configurations of IC dies with varying power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If supply voltages are adjusted dynamically based on feedback, then power consumption is optimized, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator circuits incorporate feedback mechanisms where the output voltage of each slave regulator is monitored and fed back to the master regulator. The master regulator adjusts the high-side voltage based on this feedback to maintain optimal power consumption while ensuring stable voltage delivery to each IC die according to its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes voltage parameters by adjusting the high-side voltage from the master regulator and the output voltages from slave regulators based on feedback signals. This parameter adjustment enables optimization of power consumption while meeting the varying voltage requirements of different IC dies without requiring complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If fully integrated voltage regulators are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different voltage requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidvoltage variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation system is divided into integrated slave regulator circuits that are manufactured with high precision on the IC die and a separate master regulator that provides flexibility. This segmentation allows the slave regulators to be precisely manufactured while the master regulator adapts to different voltage requirements by controlling the high-side voltage and selectively enabling different slave regulators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces dynamic control capability through the master regulator that can adjust the high-side voltage and selectively enable or disable different slave regulator circuits based on the specific voltage requirements of connected IC dies. This dynamic adaptation maintains manufacturing precision of individual components while providing system-level flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4105763B1Voltage regulator circuit systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 INTEL CORP
  • EP4105763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4105763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4105763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A circuit system includes a first voltage regulator circuit that generates a first supply voltage for an integrated circuit die based on a first control signal. The first voltage regulator circuit generates a first feedback signal based on the first supply voltage. The circuit system also includes a second voltage regulator circuit that generates a second supply voltage for an integrated circuit die based on a second control signal. The second voltage regulator circuit generates a second feedback signal based on the second supply voltage. The circuit system also includes a third voltage regulator circuit that generates the first control signal based on the first feedback signal and the second control signal based on the second feedback signal. The circuit system may include fully integrated, on-board, and on-package voltage regulator circuits.