Power Supply Switching via Node Voltage Detection Without Extra Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply management systems for high-performance chips require additional connection ports to detect and control external power supply circuits, reducing the number of available ports and increasing heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply management device comprising an internal power supply circuit, switches, a comparator circuit, and a control circuit that detects the presence of an external power supply circuit without additional connection ports by comparing node voltages with a reference voltage to generate a flag signal, allowing the control circuit to determine whether to utilize the external or internal power supply, thereby reducing heat and conserving ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connection ports are used to detect and control external power supply circuits, then power supply management functionality is improved, but the number of available ports on the chip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The existing connection ports are designed to serve multiple functions: they can detect external power supply circuits, control power switching, and maintain normal communication functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated additional ports while preserving all necessary power management capabilities.
2Temperature
If external power supply circuit is used to power high-performance chip, then operating temperature of the chip is reduced, but additional connection ports are required for communication and control
Solution Approach 1:
The connection ports are designed to simultaneously handle power supply detection, control signal transmission, and normal data communication. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated ports, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to use external power supply for heat dissipation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional connection ports are added for external power supply detection, then detection capability is improved, but chip port availability and integration density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The existing connection ports perform dual roles: they detect external power supply circuits through voltage level sensing and simultaneously maintain normal communication functions. This eliminates the need for additional detection ports, preserving chip port availability and integration density while enhancing detection capability.
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 efficient detection and utilization of external power supply circuits without additional ports, reducing heat generation and conserving chip ports, while maintaining power supply functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The comparator circuit is configured to compare a voltage on the node with a reference voltage when the node does not receive the first supply voltage to generate a flag signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply management device includes an internal power supply circuit, switches, a comparator circuit, and a control circuit. The internal power supply circuit is configured to output a first supply voltage to a node. The switches are coupled between the node and a plurality of first circuits. The comparator circuit is configured to compare a voltage on the node with a reference voltage when the node does not receive the first supply voltage to generate a flag signal. The control circuit is configured to determine whether the node receives a second supply voltage from an external power supply circuit according to the flag signal. If the node receives the second supply voltage, the control circuit is further configured to turn off the internal power supply circuit and gradually turn on the switches, in order to provide the second supply voltage to the first circuits via the switches.