Dual Power Domain Isolation Logic for Safe Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with multiple power domains face challenges in signal integrity and proper functioning due to un-determined signal levels when power domains are not simultaneously powered, requiring isolation paths to manage signal transmission effectively across different operational modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reset and safe state logic generation (RSSLG) circuit in the first power domain to generate isolation control signals for isolation paths, ensuring signal transmission only when both input and output power domains are powered, and disabling transmission when either domain is off, using isolation circuits like AND or OR gates controlled by these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation paths are implemented between multiple power domains to prevent un-determined signal levels, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolation circuits as intermediary components between power domains. These isolation circuits act as mediators that control signal transmission based on the power states of adjacent domains, preventing un-determined signal levels from propagating while maintaining a structured and manageable isolation architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation circuits are configured to preliminarily block signal transmission when power domains are in unknown or un-powered states. By proactively preventing signal propagation before un-determined levels can cause issues, the system maintains signal integrity without requiring complex real-time monitoring of all possible signal states.
2Loss of energy
If multiple power domains are used to achieve energy efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but signal transmission control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation circuits dynamically adjust their signal transmission behavior based on the real-time power states of connected domains. The isolation control signals automatically adapt to different operational modes (standby, low-power, RUN), enabling the system to maintain energy efficiency while ensuring proper signal control across varying power configurations.
3Reliability
If isolation circuits are used to control signal transmission between power domains, then signal integrity is maintained, but the number of control signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generation of isolation control signals into a centralized power management unit. By consolidating control signal generation in one location rather than distributing it across multiple domains, the system maintains comprehensive isolation control while reducing the overall complexity and number of independent control paths required.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric device includes: a first power domain; a second power domain; a third power domain, where during power-up, the third, the second, and the first power domains are configured to be powered up sequentially, where during standby-exit, the first, the second, and the third power domains are configured to be powered up sequentially; isolation paths that provide controlled signal transmission among the first, the second, and the third power domains, where each isolation path includes an isolation circuit between an input power domain and an output power domain of the isolation path; and a control circuit in the first power domain, where for each isolation path, the control circuit is configured to generate an isolation control signal for the isolation circuit, where the isolation circuit is configured enable or disable signal transmission along the isolation path.