PLD Routing Network With Dynamic Power Paths for IR Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic devices (PLDs) face performance degradation due to IR drops in power supply voltage, which cannot be accurately predicted during fabrication, leading to inefficient power supply sizing and increased area consumption.
Innovation Solution
A programmable logic device with a routing network comprising selection circuits, auxiliary power connector circuits, and switch circuits that dynamically supplement power or ground lines based on operational states to mitigate IR drops, improving speed without significant area consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply size is increased to reduce IR drops, then voltage stability is improved, but die space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply sizing where the power supply configuration changes based on operational needs. Switch circuits dynamically connect or disconnect power supply paths, allowing the system to adapt power distribution to actual current requirements rather than being fixed at fabrication time. This resolves the contradiction by making power supply capacity variable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply configurations to different regions of the PLD based on local current consumption characteristics. By identifying high-current regions and providing enhanced power supply specifically to those areas through selective switching, the solution avoids uniformly increasing power supply size across the entire die, thus saving die space while maintaining voltage stability where needed.
2Speed
If power supply size is increased to reduce IR drops, then operating speed is improved, but die space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic switching mechanism allows the power supply configuration to be optimized for speed-critical operations only when needed. During high-performance modes, enhanced power supply paths are activated to reduce IR drops and improve operating speed. During low-power modes, these paths are deactivated, freeing up die space for other functional elements.
3Reliability
If separate power and ground planes are added, then IR drops are reduced, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply network into multiple controllable paths with individual switch circuits. Rather than implementing complex separate power and ground planes across the entire device, the power distribution is divided into modular segments that can be independently controlled and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
4Reliability
If power regulation circuits are added, then voltage stability is improved, but area consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating power distribution system where switch circuits are controlled based on actual operational states and current consumption patterns. The system automatically adjusts power supply configuration without requiring external voltage regulators, allowing the PLD to self-manage its power distribution and avoid the area overhead of dedicated regulation 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
The solution enhances the operating speed of PLDs by dynamically managing power supply voltage, effectively reducing IR drops and improving frequency without increasing die space or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A well-known phenomenon occurring in electric circuits is the ΔV=IR voltage drop. Whenever a current I flows through a conductor of resistance R, a difference in potential ΔV=IR occurs between the two terminals of the conductor.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable logic device includes a plurality of logic blocks and a plurality of routing networks. One of the plurality of routing networks includes a first selection circuit, a second selection circuit, and an auxiliary power connector circuit. The first selection circuit is connected to the second selection circuit via a signal line. The signal line is connected to a power supply line via the auxiliary power connector circuit.