Hierarchical Regulator Voltage Scaling for High-Speed Data Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data communications systems face significant power consumption challenges due to stringent timing requirements, where conventional Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) methods are inadequate at high data rates, leading to circuit delays and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic power control system that dynamically adjusts clock speeds and supply voltages by identifying critical paths and using speculative DFE, along with hierarchical dynamic voltage scaling across multiple processing stages and power domains, to minimize power consumption while maintaining system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) methods are used, then system operation is maintained, but power consumption increases and timing requirements cannot be met at high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling that adjusts supply voltage levels based on operating conditions and data rates. The system transitions from static voltage supply to dynamic adjustment, where voltage is scaled down when full performance is not required, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to operate at high data rates when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on operating conditions. By adjusting the supply voltage to match actual operational requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage, the system reduces power consumption (P=IV) while still achieving high data rate operation when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
2Productivity
If conventional DFE methods are used, then system operation is maintained, but circuit delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic clock frequency adjustment that synchronizes processing speed with actual data rate requirements. By dynamically scaling clock frequencies and voltage levels, the system minimizes unnecessary processing cycles and circuit delays that occur when operating at fixed high performance levels, thereby improving productivity without excessive time loss.
3Reliability
If devices are tested at worst-case corners, then reliability is ensured, but many devices are rejected that could operate at lower speeds and voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements per-device or per-block characterization that identifies actual operational capabilities rather than assuming worst-case performance for all devices. By applying local quality assessment and dynamic voltage scaling, the system allows devices to operate at their actual capabilities (lower voltages and speeds when sufficient), thereby increasing device utilization while maintaining reliability through adaptive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables runtime adjustment of operating parameters based on actual device performance characteristics. Instead of static rejection based on corner testing, the system dynamically adapts voltage and frequency to match actual device capabilities, allowing more devices to be utilized reliably at optimized performance levels.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed supply voltage is used, then system stability is maintained, but power consumption cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed supply voltage to dynamic voltage scaling with controlled transitions. The system maintains stability through regulated voltage adjustment mechanisms and controlled scaling transitions, while optimizing power consumption by adapting voltage levels to actual operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making voltage dynamic yet controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor operating conditions and adjust supply voltage accordingly. By using feedback from performance metrics and operational requirements, the system maintains stability through controlled adjustment while optimizing power consumption, preventing both over-voltage waste and under-voltage instability.
Data Source
AI summary
Obtaining a periodic test signal, sampling the periodic test signal using a sampling element according to a sampling clock to generate a sampled periodic output, the sampling element operating according to a supply voltage provided by a voltage regulator, the voltage regulator providing the supply voltage according to a supply voltage control signal, comparing the sampled periodic output to the sampling clock to generate a clock-to-Q measurement indicative of a delay value associated with the generation of the sampled periodic output in response to the sampling clock, generating the supply voltage control signal based at least in part on an average of the clock-to-Q measurement, and providing the supply voltage to a data sampling element connected to the voltage regulator, the data sampling element being a replica of the sampling element, the data sampling element sampling a stream of input data according to the sampling clock.