Power Control Circuit Sequential Switching for Peak Current Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control circuits in semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing power supply voltages during mode changes, leading to increased power consumption and peak current generation due to unsynchronized switching of power switches.
Innovation Solution
A power control circuit comprising a delay chain and multiple power switches that generate and manage switching signals to sequentially switch between high and low power supply voltages based on mode change signals, ensuring synchronized transitions and minimizing power line floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power switches are switched simultaneously during mode changes, then the power control circuit is simple to control, but peak current increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power switching operation into multiple sequential stages by dividing the power switches into first, second, and third groups. Each group switches at different times controlled by delay circuits, transforming a single simultaneous switching event into multiple distributed switching events. This segmentation reduces peak current by spreading the current draw over time while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic grouping.
2Device complexity
If power switches are switched simultaneously during mode changes, then the control mechanism is simple, but power line floating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the first group of power switches switch before the second and third groups during mode transitions. The delay circuits are configured to activate switches in a specific sequence, ensuring that some switches are already in their target state before others change. This preliminary switching prevents power line floating by maintaining continuous electrical connectivity throughout the transition process.
3Loss of energy
If power switches are switched sequentially with delays, then peak current is reduced, but the control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces delay circuits as intermediary components between the control signal source and the power switches. These delay circuits act as mediators that automatically generate the required timing sequences without requiring complex external control logic. The intermediary delay circuits simplify the overall control architecture by embedding the sequencing functionality within standardized timing components rather than requiring custom control circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus may include a logic circuit and a power control circuit. The logic circuit operates by being supplied with power through a power line. The power control circuit includes a plurality of power switches, and supplies a first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage to the power line. When a mode of the semiconductor apparatus is changed, the power control circuit causes the plurality of power switches to sequentially stop supplying one of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage to the power line, and then causes the plurality of power switches to sequentially supply the other of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage to the power line.