Multi-functional pin for integrated circuit parameter setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in executing additional functions due to limited pins, leading to increased area occupation and manufacturing costs when trying to regulate CPU voltage dynamically.
Innovation Solution
The IC incorporates a multi-functional pin coupled to an external setting unit, with a switch unit and function adjustment circuits that sense programmable reference voltages and currents, allowing for multiple function settings without increasing the IC's area through the use of a single multi-functional pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are added to the IC to regulate CPU voltage dynamically, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and area occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional pin that can serve different purposes based on control signals. The pin can function as a droop current sense input, an external setting input, or other configuration inputs by switching its connection to different internal circuits (voltage adjustment circuit, current adjustment circuit, etc.) through a switch unit controlled by control signals, allowing one pin to replace multiple dedicated pins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple function-setting circuits into a unified architecture where different adjustment circuits (voltage adjustment, current adjustment, droop compensation) share common pins and control mechanisms. The switch unit consolidates multiple signal paths into a single pin interface, reducing the total number of pins required while maintaining all necessary functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins and setting components are added to the IC, then the functional versatility is improved, but the area occupation and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-functional pin dynamically changes its function based on control signals, allowing a single pin to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pins. This reduces the pin count and the associated area occupation on the IC package while maintaining the ability to perform multiple functions including droop sensing, voltage setting, and current setting
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple adjustment circuits are merged to share common pins and internal resources. The voltage adjustment circuit, current adjustment circuit, and droop compensation circuit all access settings through the same multi-functional pin interface, reducing the total component count and area occupation on the IC
3Ease of operation
If multiple pins are used for different function settings, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-functional pin provides ease of operation by accepting different types of inputs (droop current, voltage settings, current settings) through a single interface, simplifying external circuit connections. Internally, a switch unit routed by control signals directs the pin's input to the appropriate adjustment circuit, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit with multi-functional parameter setting and a multi-functional parameter setting method of the integrated circuit are provided. The multi-functional parameter setting method includes following steps: providing the integrated circuit which includes a switch unit and a multi-functional pin that is coupled to an external setting unit, sensing a programmable reference voltage of the external setting unit through one operation of the switch unit and executing a first function setting according to the programmable reference voltage, and sensing a programmable reference current of the external setting unit through another operation of the switch unit and executing a second function setting according to the programmable reference current.