Power Control Unit Fast Start Mechanism for ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rapid power-up of integrated circuits is challenging due to the time required by power supplies, such as voltage regulators, to ramp up and provide full power, which hinders the implementation of circuits that consume low power yet need to quickly respond to requests.
Innovation Solution
A power control unit with a fast start mechanism, including a clamp circuit and voltage detectors, initiates power-up of integrated circuits independently of control signals, providing an initial voltage quickly and then stabilizing it for accurate long-term operation, allowing power to be supplied immediately upon external power coupling without concerning unstable control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage regulators are used to provide stable internal voltages, then voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but power-up time increases due to ramp-up requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power control unit performs preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors and preparing voltage rails before the regulator is fully operational. The fast start mechanism anticipates the regulator's ramp-up time and proactively supplies power through alternative paths, ensuring the system is ready before regulation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
A fast start mechanism acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the regulator. This intermediary component (power control unit) temporarily supplies power during the regulator's startup phase, bridging the gap between external power application and stable regulated voltage output.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If all circuit blocks are powered down in standby mode, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to external stimuli increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control unit maintains a ready state with pre-charged capacitors and prepared control logic during standby mode. When an external stimulus occurs, the system can rapidly activate power rails and circuit blocks without full shutdown, achieving fast wake-up while maintaining low average power consumption through selective powering of only necessary blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply to different circuit blocks based on operational requirements. During standby, only essential blocks remain powered while others are shut down. Upon detecting external stimuli, the power control unit rapidly transitions to power up previously dormant blocks, enabling adaptive power management that balances consumption and response time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Power control is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, power is supplied to power rails of an integrated circuit using a power control circuit including a power regulator and a reset circuit that is responsive to a supply voltage. The power regulator provides power to the power rails, based upon a control signal. The reset circuit controls the power regulator to provide power to the power rails independently of the control signal when the supply voltage is below an operational voltage level, and controls the power regulator to provide power to the power rails in response to the control signal when the supply voltage reaches the operational voltage level.