Multi-Reference Power Supply for SoC IR Drop Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems on chip, areas with high IR drop due to current loads often experience voltage deficiencies, which current voltage regulators cannot accurately compensate for, especially when physical differences in resistance across the chip lead to inaccurate feedback measurements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-referenced power supply system that monitors multiple areas within the system on chip, uses voltage sensors to determine current loads, and a voltage manager to select and provide supplemental voltage to areas needing assistance, utilizing machine learning to optimize voltage adjustments based on sensed voltage magnitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single voltage regulator is used to power the entire system on chip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the voltage regulation precision deteriorates due to IR drop variations across different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system on chip into multiple areas, each with its own voltage sensor and feedback path to the voltage regulator. This segmentation allows independent voltage monitoring and compensation for each area, resolving the precision issue while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements area-specific voltage sensing and compensation, where each region of the chip receives tailored voltage regulation based on its local IR drop characteristics. This local quality approach ensures precise voltage control for each area without requiring completely separate regulator circuits.
2Reliability
If voltage margins are increased to compensate for IR drop, then the reliability of voltage supply is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where voltage sensors monitor the actual voltage at each area, and the voltage regulator adjusts its output based on this feedback to compensate for IR drop. This dynamic feedback control maintains voltage stability without requiring excessive voltage margins, thereby reducing power consumption compared to static margin approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static voltage margin design to dynamic voltage compensation, where the voltage regulator continuously adjusts its output based on real-time voltage measurements. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption associated with fixed voltage margins.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to multi-referenced power supplies. One method includes sensing each voltage, via a voltage sensor, of plurality of voltages from different areas of circuit components prior to the voltage reaching a voltage regulator, receiving, at a voltage manager, a sensed voltage magnitude from the voltage sensor, and selecting a feedback voltage to be provided to the voltage regulator based on the sensed voltage magnitude from the voltage sensor for the at least one of the plurality of voltages.