Power Gating Timeout Control for Temperature-Dependent Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low threshold voltage transistors in power gated circuits experience high leakage currents during standby operation due to supply voltages, which affects power consumption and performance, especially in mobile applications where high performance and reduced power consumption are critical.
Innovation Solution
A power gating circuit with a timeout control circuit that adjusts the timeout delay based on operating temperature and process corner variations, using high threshold voltage, low leakage switches to minimize leakage current by selectively activating and deactivating power supply to the power gated circuit, and employing leakage monitors to model subthreshold leakage and adjust the timeout period accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If low threshold voltage transistors are used in power gated circuits, then high performance is achieved, but high leakage currents occur during standby operation
Solution Approach 1:
The timeout control circuit proactively manages power supply to the power gated circuit by initiating power removal after a predetermined timeout period following deactivation signals, preventing the circuit from entering standby with residual activation signals that would cause leakage currents
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit monitors deactivation signals and timeout status to dynamically control the power supply connection, creating a feedback mechanism that ensures power is removed only when appropriate, balancing performance readiness with leakage prevention
2Power
If power supply is continuously provided to maintain performance readiness, then high performance is maintained, but power consumption increases during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively removes power supply after a predetermined timeout period following deactivation, ensuring that power is not continuously provided during standby while maintaining the capability for rapid performance recovery when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The timeout control circuit implements periodic monitoring and control of power supply based on activation/deactivation signals, creating a rhythm of power provisioning that balances performance readiness with power consumption reduction
3Loss of energy
If timeout delay is shortened to reduce power consumption, then leakage current is reduced, but performance recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit proactively manages the power supply removal timing based on timeout signals, ensuring that power is cut at the optimal moment to minimize leakage while maintaining acceptable recovery characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the timeout period parameter to optimize the balance between leakage current reduction and performance recovery time, allowing flexible tuning of the power management behavior
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for temperature and process corner sensitive control of power gated domains are described. An example apparatus includes an internal circuit; a power supply line; and a power gating control circuit which responds, at least in part, to a first change from a first state to a second state of a control signal to initiate supplying a power supply voltage from the power supply line to the internal circuit, and continue supplying the power supply voltage from the power supply line to internal circuit for at least a timeout period from a second change from the second state to the first state of the control signal, in which the timeout period represent temperature dependency.