Sensor-Based Power Switch Sequencing for Inrush Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrently turning on power switches in VLSI designs leads to large inrush currents, causing voltage drops that endanger surrounding circuits, while existing delay buffer-based and software control mechanisms introduce significant latency.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based power switch control method that senses real-time electrical states of power switches, allowing sequential turn-on based on charging currents and voltage gaps to manage inrush currents, reducing latency and enabling fast power-on operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If all power switches are turned on concurrently, then power-on speed is improved, but inrush current increases causing voltage drops that endanger surrounding circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power switch turning-on process into multiple phases using sensor-based detection. Instead of turning on all power switches simultaneously, the system divides them into groups and activates them sequentially based on real-time current monitoring, thereby controlling inrush current while maintaining acceptable power-on speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor the current state during power switch activation. The system adjusts the turning-on sequence of subsequent power switches based on the detected current levels, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that prevents inrush current while optimizing power-on speed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If delay buffers or software delay control mechanisms are used to sequentially turn on power switches, then inrush current is reduced, but latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static delay buffers with dynamic sensor-based control. The system continuously monitors real-time current conditions and adjusts the power switch activation timing dynamically, eliminating fixed latency delays while still controlling inrush current through adaptive sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/electronic delay buffers with a sensor-based detection and control system. Instead of using predetermined time delays, the system uses real-time electrical state detection to determine when to activate subsequent power switches, achieving both current control and reduced latency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If delay buffers are introduced for sequential power switch turning on, then inrush current is controlled, but real-time electrical states cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor real-time electrical states during the sequential power switch activation process. This feedback enables the system to detect current levels, voltage conditions, and switch states in real-time, providing the information needed to optimize the activation sequence while controlling inrush current.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor-based control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls inrush current through sequential activation, detects real-time electrical states for monitoring and control, and provides data for optimizing the power-on process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the limitations of simple delay buffers.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor based power switch control method includes setting a maximum inrush current, turning on at least one first power switches for charging a loading circuit from a high voltage terminal through the at least one first power switches, sensing a first charging current of the at least one first power switches being turned on by a first sensor, and turning on at least one second power switches for charging the loading circuit from the high voltage terminal through the at least one second power switches when the first charging current starts to drop.