Ring Oscillator Calibration for Controlled System Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems rely on fuses, PLLs, and external XTALs, which cause voltage and temperature variations, making reliable system boot operations challenging and consuming higher power.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ring oscillator calibration using a reference clock signal to generate a calibrated oscillator signal, which is then provided to a firmware module for executing a controlled reset sequence, reducing dependency on external components and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuses, PLLs and external XTALs are used for reset operation, then system boot reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and voltage/temperature variations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fuses, PLLs, and external XTALs from the reset operation circuitry, extracting these power-consuming components from the system. The reset function is achieved through an internal oscillator and calibration mechanism, eliminating the need for external components and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining boot reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an internal oscillator with calibration capability that serves the reset function without requiring external assistance. The oscillator calibrates itself using ring oscillators and calibration logic integrated within the processor, making the system self-sufficient and reducing dependency on external power-consuming components.
2Reliability
If fuses, PLLs and external XTALs are used for reset operation, then system boot reliability is improved, but voltage and temperature variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts external XTALs and PLLs from the system, which are sources of voltage and temperature variations. By using an internal oscillator with calibration, the system eliminates these external components that cause environmental variations, thereby stabilizing voltage and temperature during boot operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ring oscillator calibration is performed with reference clock signal, then oscillator signal stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference clock functionality with the ring oscillator calibration process. The calibration logic uses the existing ring oscillators and integrates them with the boot sequence control, combining multiple functions into a unified calibration mechanism that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining signal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillators serve multiple functions: they provide the reference clock for calibration, generate the system clock after calibration, and participate in the boot sequence control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring oscillator signal stability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If external components are eliminated, then power consumption is reduced, but dependency on external components is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillator calibration and boot sequence control functions into integrated circuits within the processor. The calibration logic, ring oscillators, and boot control are merged into a unified internal mechanism, reducing external component dependencies while managing internal complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, semiconductor device and method for providing a controlled system reset sequence with lower power consumption without dependency on fuses, PLL's and external XTAL's. A method to simplify a boot sequence by using a ring oscillator that compensates for voltage and temperature variations while also removing the dependency on parallel fuses, PLL's and external XTAL's.