Power Domain Isolation Circuitry for Flexible IC Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power management systems in integrated circuit devices lack flexibility due to fixed response states when transitioning between power domains, leading to inflexibility in module access and power management.

Innovation Solution

A circuit and method utilizing isolation circuitry with programmable values and signals to dynamically control the coupling between power domains, allowing for active and power-gated modes, enabling flexible signal transmission and response management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If isolation cells are used to isolate the alive domain from the power gated domain, then power management is achieved, but flexibility in module access is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower managementVSAvoidflexibility in module access

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the isolation mechanism configurable rather than fixed. The isolation cells can be dynamically controlled to either isolate or connect the alive domain and power-gated domain based on operational requirements. This allows the system to adapt between power-saving mode (isolation enabled) and flexible access mode (isolation disabled), resolving the contradiction between power management and access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If modules in power gated domain respond with fixed response state, then power consumption is reduced, but system responsiveness is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of response behavior from fixed to configurable. By allowing the response behavior of power-gated modules to be dynamically adjusted based on system state and access requirements, the system can optimize between power consumption (when modules remain in powered-down state) and responsiveness (when modules need to be accessed), thereby resolving the contradiction between energy loss and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If power gating is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but error rates during module access increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoiderror rates during module access

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms including configuration registers and controlled isolation cells that mediate between the power-gated domain and the alive domain. These intermediaries manage the transition and communication processes, allowing the system to maintain power efficiency while reducing access errors through proper coordination and control of the power-gated modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8020017B2Management of power domains in an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A method of operating a circuit, including operating in a first mode, wherein in the first mode, a first power domain operates in an active power mode and a second power domain operates in an active power mode, wherein in the first mode, a first set of at least one terminal of a first circuit of the first power domain are coupled to a second set of at least one terminal of a second circuit of the second power mode via an isolation circuit for providing signals from the first circuit to the second circuit, is provided. The method further includes operating the circuit in a second mode, wherein in the second mode, the first power domain operates in a power gated mode and a second power domain operates in an active power mode.