Power Domain Control via Interrupt Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuit systems face inefficiencies in power management, as they lack a comprehensive mechanism to selectively and efficiently control power supply to multiple power domains based on external interrupt signals, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential malfunctions due to concurrent activation of circuit macros.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus with multiple power domains, power switches, and a power-controlling unit that includes a controller, power domain register, and interrupt handler to manage power supply by responding to external interrupt signals, turning power switches on/off according to stored power domain data, thereby optimizing power distribution and reducing consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is supplied to all power domains simultaneously, then all circuit macros can operate, but power consumption increases and system stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply into multiple independent power domains (first power domain and second power domain), each controlled by separate power switches (first power switch and second power switch). This segmentation allows selective activation of only the required power domain based on external interrupt signals, preventing unnecessary power consumption in inactive domains while maintaining operational capability when needed.
2Speed
If circuit macros are activated concurrently, then processing speed increases, but system stability decreases due to potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates circuit macros in a predetermined sequence rather than concurrently. The first circuit macro is activated first in response to a first external interrupt signal, and only after it is properly activated does the system activate the second circuit macro in response to a second external interrupt signal. This preliminary action ensures each macro is stable before the next is activated, preventing malfunctions while maintaining efficient processing.
3Device complexity
If power switching is controlled manually, then system complexity decreases, but power management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously by automatically detecting external interrupt signals and controlling the power switches accordingly. When a first external interrupt signal is detected, the system automatically activates the first power switch to supply power to the first power domain. When a second external interrupt signal is detected, it automatically activates the second power switch for the second power domain. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention while achieving efficient power management.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit apparatus may include: a plurality of power domains to which power voltage is separately supplied; a plurality of circuit macros belonging to a plurality of the power domains respectively; a plurality of power switches to conduct or to substantially block power coming from a power circuit and going to the plurality power domains, respectively; and a power-controlling unit including a controller to control the plurality of power switches, a power domain register to store power domain data which corresponds to a plurality of external interrupt signals that are indicative of power domains that are to be activated; and an interrupt handler to respond to the external interrupt signals by delivering the power domain data corresponding to the external interrupt signals to the controller, the controller being operable to turn on/off the power switches corresponding to the power domain data, respectively.