Power Loss Regulation Circuit for Dual-Domain Signal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dual rail circuits, power loss in one power domain can induce floating signals that cause unknown outputs and DC leakage in the second power domain.

Innovation Solution

A storage element is used to receive a known signal from the first power domain, store it, and provide a known signal based on the stored signal, while isolating the two power domains using tri-state buffers to prevent DC leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power sources are independently controlled in dual rail design, then power management flexibility is improved, but floating signals and DC leakage occur when one power domain loses power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A storage element is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second power domains. This storage element captures signals from the first power domain while it is powered, and maintains them when the first power domain loses power, preventing floating signals from propagating to the second power domain and causing DC leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If circuits operate in different power domains, then power consumption control is improved, but unknown outputs and DC leakage occur due to floating signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidDC leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage element performs preliminary action by capturing and storing signals from the first power domain before that domain loses power. This pre-capture ensures that when the first power domain is deactivated to save energy, the stored signals prevent floating conditions and subsequent DC leakage in the second power domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If power loss regulation is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage element operates autonomously based on power presence detection. When power is present in the first domain, it automatically captures signals; when power is lost, it automatically maintains the captured signals. This self-service operation provides power loss regulation without requiring complex external control circuits, minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12244311B2Power loss regulation circuit

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

In some aspects of the present disclosure, a circuit in a first power domain is disclosed. In some aspects, the circuit in a first power domain includes a first enable-controlled logic gate coupled to a second circuit in a second power domain different from the first power domain. In some aspects, the circuit in a first power domain includes a feedback loop coupled to the first enable-controlled logic gate, the feedback loop including a first inverter and a second enable-controlled logic gate coupled to the first inverter. In some aspects, the circuit in a first power domain includes a second inverter coupled to the feedback loop.