Multi-Power-Domain IC Switching to Reduce IR Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges with reduced noise margin and increased IR voltage drops due to lower operating voltages and longer, thinner power lines, leading to lower operating frequencies and higher power consumption, especially when using multiple power domains with separated power lines.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with multiple power domains is implemented, featuring a power supply control unit and a switch block that connects and disconnects power domains based on operating modes to manage current flow and voltage levels, using transistors to provide current paths between power domains during critical operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power domains with separated power lines are used, then power consumption is reduced, but IR voltage drops increase and operating frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of power domain connections through switch blocks that can connect or disconnect power domains based on operating modes. During high-performance modes, power domains are connected to reduce IR voltage drops and increase operating frequency, while during low-power modes, they remain separated to minimize power consumption. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the power domain topology to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connectivity parameter of power domains by introducing switch blocks that can alter the resistance and current flow paths between power domains. By controlling the state of these switches, the system can transform the power distribution network from a separated topology (low power consumption) to a connected topology (low IR voltage drop), thereby resolving the performance-power consumption trade-off.
2Use of energy by moving object
If operating voltage is reduced for higher integration, then power consumption decreases, but noise margin and allowable IR voltage drop are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power domain connectivity based on operational requirements. When low voltage operation is used for power savings, the system can switch to connected power domain mode to reduce IR voltage drops and maintain adequate noise margins, thereby preserving reliability while benefiting from lower operating voltages during normal operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power domains are kept separated, then power consumption is minimized, but IR voltage drops become difficult to control and operating frequency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs switch blocks controlled by control logic to dynamically reconfigure the connectivity between power domains. During high-frequency operations, the switches connect power domains to reduce IR voltage drops and improve operating frequency, while during low-activity periods, the switches disconnect power domains to minimize power consumption. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between power savings and speed performance.
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 allows for flexible control of current flow, reducing IR voltage drops and enhancing operating frequencies while minimizing power consumption by separating power domains during non-critical modes and connecting them during high-frequency operations.
Implementation Method 1
The switch block provides at least one current path between the first and second power domains during a predetermined operating mode
Implementation Method 2
The switch block diverts current to the second power domain from the first power domain for increasing the total current in the second power domain
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes first and second power domains, a power supply control unit, and a switch block. The power supply control unit supplies a first voltage to the first power domain and a second voltage to the second power domain. The switch block provides at least one current path between the first and second power domains during a predetermined operating mode such as by connecting a first power line of the first power domain to a second power line of the second power domain.