Power Switch Configuration Analysis for IR-Drop Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing integrated circuits are inefficient in determining the number of power switches needed, leading to overly conservative configurations that result in excessive power consumption due to inaccurate manual calculations, especially in standby mode.
Innovation Solution
A novel approach that uses a fast static power consumption analysis tool to minimize the number of power switches required, automatically determining their locations while meeting saturation current and IR-drop constraints, applicable to both column and ring-style power switch methodologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculations are used to determine the number of power switches, then the design process is simple, but the accuracy of power switch configuration is poor leading to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with an automated computer-based analysis system. The system uses software tools to perform static power consumption analysis, automatically computing current and IR drop through power switches, and determining optimal power switch configurations without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based analysis tool as an intermediary between the designer and the power switch configuration. This tool acts as a mediator that performs complex calculations and provides optimized recommendations, resolving the contradiction by handling the complex analysis work automatically while guiding the design process.
2Reliability
If more power switches are used to ensure adequate power control, then power control reliability is improved, but leakage power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of power switches (such as width, length, and positioning) through automated analysis to optimize their performance. The system computes optimal parameters that satisfy both reliability requirements and power consumption constraints, finding the precise configuration needed rather than using excessive switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical model copy of the circuit design to perform analysis without affecting the actual design. This virtual model allows iterative optimization of power switch configurations to find the minimum number needed for reliable operation while minimizing leakage.
3Reliability
If conservative power switch configuration is used, then power control adequacy is ensured, but the number of power switches exceeds actual requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by determining the precise minimum number of power switches needed rather than using a conservative excess. The automated analysis calculates the exact configuration required to meet power control requirements, eliminating unnecessary switches while maintaining adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated analysis during the design phase to determine the optimal power switch configuration before implementation. This advance calculation prevents both over-provisioning and under-provisioning of power switches.
4Productivity
If automated power switch analysis is implemented, then design efficiency is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual design processes with automated computer-based analysis tools that efficiently handle computational complexity. The system uses algorithms to perform static power consumption analysis and optimize power switch configurations, improving design efficiency despite the increased computational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved method and system for implementing and analyzing power switch configurations. Described is a novel approach to minimize the number of power switches required for a power domain and to automatically find the locations of those power switches subject to the constraints of saturation current and maximum IR-drop on the power switches. This approach uses a fast static power consumption analysis tool to compute the current and IR drop through the power switches. The approach can apply to both column and ring style power switch insertion methodologies.