Power Reduction Module Using Leakage and Switching Current Oscillators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power reduction techniques in wireless devices, such as power gating and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, are not accurately selective due to the unpredictability of leakage power, which depends on temperature, and require direct current measurements that interrupt normal circuit operations.

Innovation Solution

A device with a power reduction module that includes leakage current and switching current dependent oscillators to compare oscillation frequencies, allowing for the selection and application of either dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, power gating, or a combination of both techniques based on current comparison results, without affecting the evaluated circuit's voltage supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct current measurements are performed to accurately determine leakage and switching power consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but circuit operation is interrupted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption measurement accuracyVSAvoidcircuit operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces oscillators as intermediary devices that indirectly measure power consumption characteristics without directly interfacing with the circuit under test. The oscillators convert electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) into oscillation signals that reflect leakage and switching current characteristics, enabling non-intrusive measurement that maintains circuit operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical current measurement with an oscillator-based indirect measurement system. Instead of using amperemeters or current probes that would interrupt the circuit, the system uses oscillation frequency and amplitude characteristics to infer power consumption parameters, substituting a non-intrusive measurement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If power gating technique is applied to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but leakage power reduction accuracy is limited due to temperature dependence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidleakage power prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where oscillators continuously monitor circuit characteristics and provide real-time information about leakage and switching current levels. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of power reduction techniques based on actual operating conditions, including temperature variations, thereby improving the accuracy of leakage power management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in oscillator parameters (frequency, amplitude) in response to temperature and circuit state variations to track and compensate for leakage power changes. By monitoring how oscillator characteristics change with temperature, the system can predict and adapt to leakage power variations without direct measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and efficient power reduction by dynamically selecting the appropriate technique based on the relative dominance of leakage and switching power consumptions, optimizing power management while minimizing interruptions to circuit operations.

Implementation Method 1

a leakage current dependent oscillator that is configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a leakage current of the evaluated circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeakage current dependence:

Implementation Method 2

a switching current dependent oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a switching induced current of the evaluated circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitching current dependence:

Data Source

PatentUS8049550B2Method for power reduction and a device having power reduction capabilities

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A device that includes: (i) an evaluated circuit; (ii) a leakage current dependent oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a leakage current of the evaluated circuit; (iii) a switching current dependent oscillator configured to generate an oscillating signal that has an oscillating frequency that represents a switching induced current of the evaluated circuit; (iv) a power reduction module that is configured to: (a) compare between an oscillation frequency of the leakage current dependent oscillator and an oscillation frequency of the switching current dependent oscillator, to provide a current comparison result; (b) select a power reduction technique out of a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling technique and a power gating technique in view of the current comparison result; and (c) apply the selected power reduction technique.