Programmable Nanotube Interconnect for Dynamic Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management techniques in integrated circuits are static, leading to inefficient power usage, increased leakage current, and reduced battery life due to fixed voltage regions and custom power planes, which can cause overheating and lower performance.
Innovation Solution
A programmable nanotube interconnect system using carbon nanotube structures that can alter routing based on electrical current and algorithmic considerations to dynamically manage power allocation across multiple voltage regions, minimizing leakage and optimizing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static power management techniques are used with fixed voltage regions, then power allocation is simplified, but power efficiency deteriorates and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by making power regions reconfigurable through programmable interconnects. Power regions can be dynamically created, modified, or removed based on real-time operational needs, allowing the system to adapt to changing workload requirements and minimize leakage current by eliminating unused power regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of power regions dynamically. By using programmable interconnects, the voltage and power distribution parameters can be adjusted in real-time to match actual circuit requirements, preventing energy waste from supplying power to inactive regions while maintaining optimal performance for active regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-determined power regions are assigned with power regulators, then different voltage levels can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to custom masks and specialized circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal programmable interconnects that can serve multiple functions: routing power to different regions, creating dynamic power region boundaries, and enabling various voltage configurations. This single versatile structure replaces the need for multiple specialized circuits and custom power planes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power distribution network into programmable regions that can be independently controlled. By using programmable interconnects to define region boundaries, the system achieves fine-grained power management without requiring complex custom circuits for each segment, simplifying the overall power plane architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional static power management is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but battery life is reduced due to continuous power consumption and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and dynamic reconfiguration of power regions based on operational patterns. By detecting when regions are inactive and dynamically removing or deactivating power supply to those regions, the system reduces continuous power consumption and leakage, thereby extending battery life while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through programmable interconnects.
4Loss of energy
If low-voltage integrated circuit is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but performance deteriorates due to lower maximum operable frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage levels to different power regions based on their specific requirements. Active, high-performance regions receive higher voltage to maintain maximum operable frequency, while inactive or low-activity regions are supplied with lower voltage or no power, reducing overall power consumption without compromising the performance of critical circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution dynamically adjusts power allocation, reducing leakage and improving battery life by enabling adaptive power management, thus enhancing the performance and efficiency of integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
automatically altering a route of an integrated circuit based on an electrical current applied to at least one of the plurality of nanotube structures in the interconnect layer
Implementation Method 2
A sputtered planar process may be performed across a trench of electrodes to create the carbon nanotube structures
Data Source
AI summary
Programmable nanotube interconnect is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a interconnect layer using a plurality of nanotube structures, and automatically altering a route of an integrated circuit based on an electrical current applied to at least one of the plurality of nanotube structures in the interconnect layer. Neighboring interconnect layers separated by planar vias may include communication lines that are perpendicularly oriented with respect to each of the neighboring interconnect layers. The nanotube structure may be chosen from a group comprising a polymer, carbon, and a composite material. A carbon nanotube film may be patterned in a metal layer to form the plurality of nanotube structures. A sputtered planar process may be performed across a trench of electrodes to create the carbon nanotube structures.