Power Supply Strap Switching for Semiconductor Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuit devices face challenges in reducing power consumption without increasing device area and design man-hours due to the need for multiple switches in power interruption techniques, which reduces layout flexibility and requires additional design hours.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where a switch cell is provided for one power supply line, capable of switching between electrical connection and disconnection, and a sub-power supply strap is connected to at least two power supply lines, allowing power to be shared between them, thereby reducing the need for multiple switches and enhancing power supply without increasing area or design hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple switches are provided for each standard cell power supply line to achieve power supply control, then power consumption can be reduced through power interruption, but the device area increases due to the large space occupied by multiple switches
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power supply lines are merged into a single power supply line that serves multiple functions. This single power supply line can supply power to different circuit blocks at different times, eliminating the need for multiple switches and reducing the device area while maintaining power consumption reduction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A single power supply line is designed to perform multiple functions by supplying power to different circuit blocks sequentially. This multi-functional approach allows one power supply line to replace multiple dedicated power supply lines, thereby reducing the number of switches needed and minimizing device area.
2Loss of energy
If multiple switches are arranged in the circuit block to control power supply to different blocks, then power interruption capability is achieved, but layout flexibility of standard cells is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control function is merged into a single flexible power supply line that can be dynamically configured to serve different circuit blocks. This eliminates the need for fixed switch positions, thereby restoring layout flexibility while maintaining the ability to interrupt power to specific blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply line is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to adapt its power supply path based on which circuit block needs power at any given time. This dynamic capability replaces the need for static multiple switches, enabling flexible standard cell layout arrangements.
3Power
If standard cells are rearranged to create space for additional switches in regions requiring enhanced power supply, then power supply enhancement is achieved, but wiring convergence worsens and design man hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power supply paths are merged into a single flexible power supply line that can be routed to different regions as needed. This eliminates the need to rearrange standard cells to accommodate multiple switches, avoiding wiring convergence issues and reducing design complexity and man hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply function is segmented into controllable segments along a single power supply line, allowing selective power supply to different regions. This segmentation approach maintains the ability to enhance power supply to specific regions without requiring physical rearrangement of standard cells or addition of multiple switches.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a power supply strap formed in a layer above a power supply line which supplies power to standard cells, a switch cell provided for the power supply line, the switch cell being capable of switching between electrical connection and disconnection between the power supply line and the power supply strap, and a sub-power supply strap connected to at least two power supply lines including the power supply line provided with the switch cell.