Low Power Secondary Voltage Regulator for Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit devices face challenges in supplying necessary regulated voltage to circuits that need to retain data or operate minimally during sleep mode without consuming significant power, as primary voltage regulators are power-intensive and not desirable in low power sleep modes.
Innovation Solution
A low power secondary voltage regulator is implemented, comprising a network of N-channel and P-channel field effect transistors and constant current sources, which operates in parallel with the primary voltage regulator to provide voltage to core logic circuits during sleep mode, and switches to the primary voltage regulator when the device is operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a primary voltage regulator with precision voltage regulation is used to supply voltage to data retention circuits during sleep mode, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation system is segmented into two separate regulators: a primary voltage regulator for high-precision voltage regulation during active mode, and a secondary low-power voltage regulator for data retention during sleep mode. This segmentation allows each regulator to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between precision and power consumption by using the appropriate regulator for each operational state
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the primary and secondary voltage regulators based on the operational state of the integrated circuit device. During active mode, the primary regulator supplies voltage to all circuits including data retention circuits. During sleep mode, the system transitions to using only the secondary low-power regulator for data retention circuits, thereby adapting the voltage regulation approach to minimize power consumption while maintaining necessary voltage precision
2Use of energy by moving object
If the primary voltage regulator is turned off during sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage supply to data retention circuits is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary low-power voltage regulator acts as an intermediary solution that provides voltage supply specifically to data retention circuits during sleep mode when the primary regulator is turned off. This intermediary regulator ensures that data retention circuits receive necessary voltage without requiring the primary regulator to remain active, thus maintaining data retention capability while achieving power savings from shutting down the primary regulator
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage supply network is segmented into separate domains: one for high-power operation using the primary regulator, and another for low-power data retention using the secondary regulator. This segmentation allows the primary regulator to be completely turned off during sleep mode without affecting data retention, as the secondary regulator independently supplies voltage to retention circuits
3Use of energy by moving object
If a low power secondary voltage regulator is used during sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage regulation precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different voltage regulation precision levels are applied to different circuit domains based on their requirements. The secondary low-power regulator provides sufficient voltage regulation precision specifically for data retention circuits, which have less stringent precision requirements compared to active circuits. This local quality approach ensures that power consumption is minimized while maintaining adequate voltage precision for the specific application of data retention
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit device has a primary voltage regulator and an ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator. The ultra-low power secondary voltage regulator supplies voltage to certain circuits used for providing data retention and dynamic operation, e.g., a real time clock and calendar (RTCC) when the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. The primary voltage regulator provides power to these same certain circuits when the integrated circuit is in an operational mode.