Regional FPGA Power Gating for Reconfigurable Logic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable semiconductor devices, such as FPGAs and PLDs, are less power efficient, which is a drawback in meeting the demand for low-power, high-speed hardware for applications like digital communication, AI, and IoT.
Innovation Solution
A programmable semiconductor device is partitioned into regions with dynamic power control capabilities, allowing for selective power management between regions through regional power control ports and connections, enabling dynamic power supply and power-down modes to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional programmable semiconductor devices are used, then flexibility and reconfigurability are achieved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable semiconductor device is divided into multiple independently powerable regions or blocks. Each region can be selectively powered up or down based on operational requirements, allowing the device to maintain reconfigurability while reducing overall power consumption by activating only the necessary segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply to different regions of the device is made dynamic rather than static. Power can be dynamically allocated to specific regions based on real-time operational demands, enabling the device to adapt its power consumption profile to match its functional requirements while maintaining flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If entire device is powered down to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but operational readiness and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into powerable regions, the system can power down only the inactive portions while keeping active regions operational. This maintains operational readiness for critical functions while reducing overall power consumption, avoiding the need to power down the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device have different power states tailored to their specific operational needs. Active regions maintain full power and operational readiness, while inactive regions are powered down, creating a localized power management strategy that balances speed and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable semiconductor device capable of being selectively programmed to perform one or more logic functions includes a first region, second region, first regional power control (“RPC”), and second-to-first power control connection. The first region, in one embodiment, contains first configurable logic blocks (“CLBs”) able to be selectively programmed to perform a first logic function. The second region includes a group of second CLBs configured to be selectively programmed to perform a second logic function. The first RPC port or inter-chip port which is coupled between the first and second regions facilitates dynamic power supply to the first region in response to the data in the second region. The second-to-first power control connection is used to allow the second region to facilitate and/or control power to the first region.