Power Management Circuit Slot Synchronization for Multi-Rail Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex circuits such as System-on-Chip (SoC) require multiple power supply voltages to operate properly, necessitating controlled sequencing of these voltages across multiple power management circuits to ensure proper operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power management circuit that utilizes a single-wire communication interface and slot-based sequencing, employing open drain drivers in a wired-OR configuration to synchronize voltage regulator activation sequences across multiple power management circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power management circuits are used to provide multiple power supply voltages, then the ability to power complex circuits is improved, but the complexity of coordinating and synchronizing the sequencing of these voltages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power management system into multiple independent power management circuits, each responsible for specific power supply voltages. Each circuit has its own voltage regulator and control logic, allowing them to operate semi-independently while still achieving coordinated sequencing through the slot-based synchronization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a slot-based timing mechanism as an intermediary that mediates between multiple power management circuits. This slot mechanism provides a common reference framework that allows circuits to synchronize their voltage sequencing operations without requiring direct complex inter-circuit communication or coordination logic.
2Reliability
If voltage regulator activation sequences are synchronized across multiple power management circuits, then power-up faults are prevented, but the complexity of the control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic slot-based timing cycles that repeatedly sequence through voltage activation patterns. This periodic structure provides regular, predictable synchronization points that ensure reliable power-up sequencing while maintaining simple control logic that resets and repeats the same sequence pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot mechanism performs preliminary timing and coordination准备工作 before actual voltage regulator activation. By pre-establishing the sequencing framework and timing slots in advance, the system ensures that voltage regulators are activated in the correct order without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the actual power-up process.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management circuit includes a status terminal, an open drain driver, a slot parameter memory, and a slot duration counter. The status terminal is adapted to be coupled to a different power management circuit. The open drain driver is coupled to the status terminal, and is configured to drive the status terminal. The slot parameter memory is configured to store slot parameter values. The slot duration counter is coupled to the slot parameter memory and the open drain driver. The slot duration counter is configured to time a slot duration based on a slot duration value stored in the slot parameter memory, and to activate the open drain driver responsive to expiration of the slot duration.