Power Control Circuit for Accurate Load Line Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in integrated circuits face inaccuracies in power calculation due to the load line technique, which introduces extra error estimation and complexity, leading to reduced performance and increased design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a power control circuit that measures current drawn by circuit blocks, determines real-time voltage levels using a slope value and zero-load voltage, and adjusts operation parameters based on power dissipation, while also measuring leakage current to improve power calculation accuracy and reduce the need for additional margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the load line technique is used for power calculation, then power management can be implemented, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to extra error estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the load line technique from the power management system. By removing this source of error estimation, the system achieves more accurate power calculations without the reliability issues associated with the load line method. The power management circuit directly measures current and calculates power without relying on the load line approximation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using direct current measurement as a mediator between the power consumption source and the power management circuit. This intermediary measurement method provides accurate real-time current data, which serves as a reliable basis for power calculations without introducing the errors inherent in the load line technique.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load line technique is used, then power management functionality is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the load line technique from the power management architecture, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with implementing and maintaining this method. The simplified architecture retains full power management functionality while reducing design complexity through direct measurement and calculation approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter measurement approach from indirect load line estimation to direct current measurement. This parameter change simplifies the device architecture by eliminating the need for complex load line implementation while maintaining adaptability for various power management scenarios.
3Productivity
If load line error estimation is applied, then power calculation can proceed, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of load line error estimation into a benefit by eliminating it entirely. Instead of working around the errors introduced by load line technique, the system directly measures current with high precision, transforming the measurement approach to achieve both high productivity and high accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/load line-based estimation system with a direct electrical measurement system. This substitution replaces the indirect, error-prone load line method with a direct current measurement approach, achieving superior measurement precision without sacrificing calculation throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining power dissipation within a computer system is disclosed. A circuit block may receive a regulated voltage level on a power supply signal generated by a voltage regulator circuit. A power control circuit may measure a current drawn by the circuit block, and determine a real-time voltage level for the power supply signal using the current and based on a slope value and a zero-load voltage level. Additionally, power control circuit may determine a power dissipation for the circuit block using the current and the real-time voltage level, and adjust an operation parameter of the circuit block based on the power dissipation.