Pre-charge Transistor Power Switch Slew Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SOC systems face challenges in controlling current consumption peaks during domain powering-up, which can cause damage and affect other active domains, due to unmanaged leakage currents and inefficient power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pre-charge transistor and controlled slew-rate power switch is used to manage current consumption peaks by delivering a controlled maximum intensity and adapting the slew-rate of the command signal, ensuring a secure and efficient powering-up process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply is cut off to inactive domains to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but current consumption peaks occur during domain reactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a pre-charge transistor that charges the domain's equivalent capacity before the main power switch is activated. This preliminary charging action prepares the domain for power restoration, preventing the harmful current peak that would otherwise occur when the main switch closes. The pre-charge transistor operates in advance to establish a controlled initial charge state, eliminating the shock-like current surge during domain reactivation.
2Loss of energy
If power supply is cut off to inactive domains to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but damage to the domain and other active domains may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-charge transistor performs a preliminary charging action before the main power switch is activated. This preliminary action ensures that the domain is gradually charged to the appropriate voltage level, preventing sudden voltage spikes or current surges that could damage the domain or affect other active domains. The controlled pre-charge process protects the circuit elements from harmful electrical stress while maintaining energy savings during inactive periods.
3Area of stationary object
If standard meshing power distribution is used, then power supply coverage is achieved, but current consumption peaks are not controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power distribution function into two distinct components: a pre-charge transistor for initial charging and a main power switch for sustained power supply. This segmentation allows independent control of the charging process, enabling the pre-charge transistor to manage the current peak while the main switch ensures comprehensive power coverage. The segmented approach transforms the uncontrolled single-stage switching into a two-stage controlled process, eliminating the harmful current peak while maintaining full power supply coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for managing the current consumption peak on each powering-up of a domain in an electronic circuit. A plurality of domains are present and a global power supply grid provides power. Each domain is selectively supplied by a local supply grid connected to the global supply grid via a plurality of commanded switch transistors. A pre-charge transistor is used to pre-charge a domain at powering-up. A command circuit controls operation of the switch transistors through an analog command signal whose slew rate is controlled to ensure that switch transistor conduction is delayed to enable the pre-charge circuit to charge the domain to a sufficient degree that activation of the switch transistor will not draw excessive current. A detection circuit is configured to compare the instant value of the supply voltage with a fixed reference supply voltage and/or to compare, with the value of a fixed command voltage, the instant value of the differential voltage between the global supply voltage and the command voltage.