Internal Regulated Supply Gradient Tuning Across Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The temperature gradient of internally regulated voltage (VCCHG) in integrated circuits, such as FPGAs, limits the usable temperature range due to gate breakdown voltages and reliability criteria, making it challenging to maintain reliability and performance without costly modifications or voltage clipping.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuitry that includes a temperature dependent voltage source, a divider circuit with a gradient tuning parameter, and an adder circuit to adjust the temperature gradient of the voltage reference, ensuring VCCHG remains within the operating voltage range across a full temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature dependent voltage source is used to generate VCCHG, then VCCHG can be generated internally without external regulation, but VCCHG varies with temperature and limits the usable temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the temperature coefficient of the voltage reference circuit by changing the ratio of current sources and resistors in the bandgap reference circuit. Specifically, it adjusts the parameters of transistors Q1-Q4 and resistors R1-R4 to compensate for temperature-induced voltage variations, thereby maintaining VCCHG within the required range across a wider temperature spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temperature compensation network as an intermediary element between the temperature-dependent voltage source and the digital circuitry. This network, consisting of additional transistors and resistors, acts as a mediator that counteracts temperature effects and stabilizes the regulated voltage output.
2Reliability
If voltage clipping is used to maintain VCCHG within operating range, then reliability is improved, but performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the regulated voltage VCCHG is monitored and compared against reference levels, and the temperature dependent voltage source is adjusted accordingly to maintain VCCHG within the safe operating range without clipping. This feedback loop prevents reliability issues while preserving full performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature compensation by pre-adjusting the voltage reference parameters based on expected temperature variations. This preliminary action prevents voltage excursions before they occur, eliminating the need for reactive clipping while maintaining both reliability and performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If costly processing node modifications are made to reduce temperature gradient, then temperature stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves temperature stability by modifying electrical parameters (current ratios, resistor values) within the existing processing node capabilities, rather than requiring costly physical or structural modifications to the semiconductor fabrication process. This approach maintains stability while avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
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 maintains VCCHG within the designed operating voltage range, enhancing the reliability and performance of integrated circuits by flattening the temperature gradient, thereby improving the circuit's temperature stability and reducing the need for costly processing node modifications.
Implementation Method 1
VCCHG may be generated using a temperature dependent voltage source. As such, VCCHG may vary as function of temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated circuits of the present disclosure may include a temperature dependent voltage source, a divider circuit, an adder circuit, and a voltage regulator. The divider circuit may apply a gradient tuning parameter to a first voltage provided by the temperature dependent voltage source to provide a second voltage to the adder circuit. The adder circuit may apply a level shift voltage to the second voltage to provide a third voltage to the voltage regulator. The voltage level may provide a fourth voltage to digital circuitry of an integrated circuit based on the third voltage.