Regional Voltage Control and Clocking for Programmable Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits with programmable logic face challenges in identifying optimal operating voltages and clock frequencies due to design variability, leading to inefficient power consumption and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a control unit, non-volatile memory, and random-access memory in each region of the integrated circuit, which stores target voltage values and criticality values based on design paths, allowing for dynamic voltage reduction while maintaining sufficient speed, and adjusting clocking to compensate for voltage reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but clock frequency may become insufficient to support the programmed design
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into multiple regions, each with independent voltage control. The circuit is further segmented into multiple paths within each region, allowing selective voltage adjustment based on design criticality. This segmentation enables power reduction in non-critical paths while maintaining sufficient voltage for critical paths that require higher clock frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
Different voltage levels are applied to different regions and paths based on their specific power requirements and criticality. Non-critical paths receive reduced voltage for lower power consumption, while critical paths maintain higher voltage to support the minimum clock frequency required for correct operation. This local quality approach ensures each part of the circuit receives appropriate power based on its functional requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is reduced to extend battery life, then battery life increases, but the circuit may overheat due to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter based on design criticality and operational requirements. By adjusting voltage to optimal levels rather than uniformly reducing it, the circuit operates efficiently without excessive heat generation. Critical paths maintain sufficient voltage for efficient operation, while non-critical paths use lower voltage, overall reducing power consumption and extending battery life without causing overheating.
3Quantity of substance
If more components are packed tightly to increase density, then device density increases, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-density circuit is segmented into multiple regions with independent power domains. This allows selective power management where not all components operate at full power simultaneously. The segmentation enables the system to accommodate higher device density while controlling overall power consumption through regional voltage adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power levels are assigned to different regions based on their functional criticality and power requirements. This local quality approach allows the circuit to maintain high device density while consuming less power overall, as non-critical regions operate at lower voltage and current, reducing total power consumption and heat generation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit include multiple regions, wherein at least one region includes a control circuit. The control circuit receives a target voltage value to supply to the region that enables the region to operate at a target speed. The control circuit also receives a first criticality value of a first path of a design programmed in the region. The first criticality value is based on a first propagation time of the first path and a first allowable time to traverse the first path while enabling the region to operate at the target speed. The control circuit further instructs a power regulator to supply voltage to the region based at least in part on the target voltage value and the first criticality value. The integrated circuit also includes the power regulator communicatively coupled to the at least one region. The power regulator supplies power to the at least one region.