Reconfigurable IC Power Feed for Workload-Based Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static power feeds for programmable logic devices result in inefficient power distribution for varying workloads, leading to suboptimal performance and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A system for reconfiguring power distribution based on the specific workload by using a board management controller to select and adjust voltage regulators and load switches, enabling efficient power distribution tailored to the integrated circuit's configuration profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If static power feeds are used for programmable logic devices, then power distribution is simple and stable, but power efficiency deteriorates for varying workloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution stabilityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power feed reconfiguration by allowing the system to switch between different power feed configurations based on the configured design and workload requirements. The board management controller dynamically selects appropriate power feeds and adjusts voltage regulator settings in real-time, transforming the static power distribution system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power distribution parameters including voltage levels, current allocation, and power feed selection based on the configured design profile. The board management controller modifies these parameters dynamically to match workload requirements, enabling efficient power distribution by adjusting voltage regulator outputs and selecting optimal power feed combinations for different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple voltage regulators and load switches are added for power reconfiguration, then power efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower distribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The board management controller serves multiple functions: it detects the configured design, determines appropriate power feed settings, controls voltage regulators, and manages load switch configurations. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single controller that handles various power distribution tasks, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple power control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The board management controller acts as an intermediary between the configured design requirements and the physical power distribution components. It translates high-level design specifications into specific control signals for voltage regulators and load switches, simplifying the interface between software configuration and hardware power management while enabling efficient power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If power feeds are reconfigured based on configuration profile, then power efficiency improves, but detection and measurement difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration profile detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The board management controller implements feedback by detecting the configured design profile and using this information to automatically adjust power feed settings. The system continuously monitors the operational state and reconfigures power distribution based on detected configuration changes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts power delivery to match actual workload requirements while simplifying the detection process through automated feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4155869B1Reconfigurable inlet power feed and integrated circuit power
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ALTERA CORP
  • EP4155869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155869B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein may relate to power inlet reconfiguration of an integrated circuit device. In an embodiment, an add in card includes an integrated circuit including programmable logic circuitry. The add in card also includes any number of voltage regulators configured to supply power to the integrated circuit and a controller. The controller configures the programmable logic circuitry based on a configuration profile, determine a power level associated with the configuration profile, and adjust the plurality of voltage regulators and load switches based on the power level.