Multi-Power-Domain Circuit Switching to Block Sleep-State Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In analog circuitry with multiple power domains, leakage currents occur between circuit blocks when one power domain is in a sleep state, leading to additional power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A circuitry design that includes a first and second circuit block, where the first circuit block has a switching circuit to forward processed input signals to the second circuit block when powered, and disconnects the path when the second circuit block is not powered, using switches and feedback circuits to manage signal flow and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the power domain stops generating supply voltage to save power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but leakage current flows into the sleep state circuit block causing additional power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary component between the first circuit block and the second circuit block. This switching circuit acts as a mediator that controls the connection path, allowing the system to isolate the sleep state circuit block from leakage currents while maintaining the ability to restore connections when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the switching control function from the power domain management and implements it as a separate switching circuit. This extracted component specifically handles the isolation task, separating the power management function from the circuit operation to effectively prevent leakage current infiltration.
2Loss of energy
If the switching circuit disconnects the path to prevent leakage current, then leakage current is blocked, but signal transmission between circuit blocks is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting its connection state based on the operational status of the second circuit block. When the second circuit block is powered, the switch connects to allow signal transmission; when it enters sleep state, the switch disconnects to prevent leakage current. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between signal transmission and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the power state of the second circuit block and control the switching circuit accordingly. The feedback signal from the power domain status controls the switching circuit's connection state, ensuring that signal transmission is enabled only when the receiving circuit block is actively powered, thus preventing leakage while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuitry applied to multiple power domains, wherein the circuitry includes a first circuit block and second circuit block, the first circuit block is powered by a first supply voltage of a first power domain, and the second circuit block is powered by a second supply voltage of a second power domain. The first circuit block includes a first amplifier and a switching circuit. The first amplifier is configured to receive an input signal to generate a processed input signal. When the second circuit block is powered by the second supply voltage, the switching circuit is configured to forward the processed input signal to the second circuit block; and when the second circuit block is not powered by the second supply voltage, the switching circuit disconnects a path between the first amplifier and the second circuit block.