Reference Voltage Circuit Selection Using Redundant IC Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices face performance variations due to differences in reference voltage, leading to reduced or undesirable performance, as existing technologies lack flexible operation capabilities to adapt to varying voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with redundant circuits and a voltage sensor that selects the appropriate circuit based on detected reference voltage levels, optimizing performance by activating high-performance or low-power circuits depending on the voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single circuit is designed for high performance, then speed is improved, but power consumption increases and performance degrades at low voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple redundant circuit implementations, each optimized for different voltage ranges. A voltage sensor segments the voltage space into high, medium, and low ranges, and a selection circuit routes the reference voltage to the appropriate redundant circuit based on the detected voltage range, allowing the system to switch between high-performance and low-power circuits dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which redundant circuit to activate based on real-time voltage detection. The selection circuit changes its configuration dynamically by routing the reference voltage to different redundant circuits depending on the voltage range detected, enabling adaptive performance optimization without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant circuits are added to handle voltage variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple redundant circuits are designed to provide the same fundamental function but are optimized for different voltage ranges. This universal approach allows any of the redundant circuits to handle the circuit's function depending on the voltage condition, making the system adaptable to various voltage scenarios without requiring fundamentally different circuit designs
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage sensor acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the redundant circuits, detecting the voltage range and providing this information to the selection circuit. The selection circuit then acts as another intermediary, routing the reference voltage to the appropriate redundant circuit based on sensor feedback, thereby managing complexity through modular control architecture
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
This solution enables flexible operation by selecting the optimal circuit for varying voltage levels, ensuring high performance at low power consumption when voltage is low and power efficiency at higher voltages, thus enhancing overall performance and power management.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor coupled to receive a reference voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit enabling the selection of a circuit is described. The integrated circuit comprising a plurality of redundant circuits (512, 514) providing a predetermined function; a voltage sensor (212) coupled to receive a reference voltage; and a selection circuit (503) coupled to the voltage sensor and the reference voltage, wherein the selection circuit selects one of the plurality of redundant circuits to be implemented in the integrated circuit based upon a detected voltage of the reference voltage of the reference voltage. A method of enabling the selection of a circuit is also described.