Multi-Power-Domain Circuit Using Single-Signal Isolation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management circuits for integrated circuits with multiple power domains face challenges in reducing power consumption and chip area, as they require multiple control signals for power isolation, leading to increased power consumption and potential damage from incorrect power-on sequences.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit that includes an inverter circuit and a latch circuit, along with a level shifter and output buffer, to perform power-on control and power isolation using a single control signal, allowing power domains to operate independently and reducing quiescent current consumption to zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control signals are used for power isolation between power domains, then power control reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control signals into a single control signal that can simultaneously control power isolation between multiple power domains. The power management circuit uses this single control signal to manage power-on sequences and isolation states across different voltage domains, reducing the number of control lines while maintaining reliable power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control signal serves multiple functions: it controls power isolation between power domains, manages power-on sequencing, and indicates power status across different voltage domains. This multi-functional control signal eliminates the need for separate control signals for each power domain interface.
2Reliability
If multiple control signals are used for power isolation, then power domain control reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple control signals into one, the patent reduces the total number of active control lines in the system. This consolidation directly reduces the cumulative quiescent current consumption associated with maintaining multiple control signals, while the single control signal continues to provide reliable power domain control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power domains operate independently with proper isolation, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to isolation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management circuit as an intermediary between power domains with different voltage levels. This circuit includes level shifters and control logic that automatically manage isolation and power-on sequencing, enabling independent power domain operation while reducing the complexity burden on the overall system design.
4Reliability
If incorrect power-on sequences occur, then circuit damage may occur, but adding complex sequencing control increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit performs preliminary actions by proactively controlling the power-on sequence of different voltage domains before potential damage can occur. The circuit monitors power status and activates isolation mechanisms in advance, ensuring that power domains are properly sequenced and isolated before any incorrect sequencing could cause circuit damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management circuit includes an inverter circuit and a latch circuit. The inverter circuit is configured to receive a first control signal from an inverter input terminal and generate a second control signal at an inverter output terminal. The first control signal carries power status information of a first supply voltage. The latch circuit has a latch supply terminal, a first latch input terminal and a second latch input terminal. The latch supply terminal is coupled to a second supply voltage becoming ready before the first supply voltage. The first latch input terminal and the second latch input terminal are coupled to the inverter output terminal and the inverter input terminal respectively. The latch circuit is configured to generate a third control signal according to respective signal levels of the first control signal and the second control signal, and accordingly perform power control of an integrated circuit.