Sector Voltage Regulator Control for Dynamic On-Die Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation approaches in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic devices (PLDs) lack the capability to dynamically monitor and adjust the regulated voltage, leading to inflexibility in power management for different performance modes and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop voltage regulator monitoring system with a sector architecture, including a secure device manager, analog-to-digital converter, and networked microprocessor-based control interface, enables continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment of on-die voltage regulators, supporting both internal and external control loops for optimal power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed regulated voltage is provided by an external voltage regulator, then the voltage regulation is simple and stable, but the flexibility for dynamic power management and performance optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is divided into multiple independent voltage regulator circuits, each capable of regulating to different voltage levels. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific regulator circuits based on performance mode requirements, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed voltage regulation to dynamic adjustable voltage regulation. A voltage selection circuit dynamically selects between multiple voltage regulator circuits based on operational modes, enabling real-time adaptation of power supply characteristics to match performance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulator circuits are provided for different voltage levels, then the adaptability for different performance modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple voltage regulator circuits are designed with identical structural configurations but different regulation characteristics. This universal design approach allows the system to support multiple performance modes using replicated modular units, reducing overall system complexity through standardization while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage selection circuit acts as an intermediary between multiple voltage regulator circuits and the load. This mediator selectively connects the appropriate regulator circuit to the load based on required performance mode, managing the complexity of multiple regulators through centralized control logic.
3Measurement precision
If the voltage regulator output is fixed, then the manufacturing and operation are simple, but the measurement precision and monitoring capability of voltage deviations are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage monitoring circuit continuously monitors the actual voltage output from the selected voltage regulator circuit and feeds this information back to a processor. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of voltage deviations and facilitates dynamic adjustment to maintain precise voltage levels according to target values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple fixed voltage regulation with an electronic monitoring and control system using analog-to-digital converters and digital signal processing. This substitution enables precise voltage measurement and intelligent control while reducing the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic voltage adjustment capability is added, then the power management flexibility is improved, but the loss of time for voltage calibration and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple voltage regulator circuits are pre-configured with different regulation characteristics during manufacturing. The voltage selection circuit is pre-programmed with the relationship between performance modes and corresponding voltage levels. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration during operation, enabling instant switching between voltage modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic voltage switching capability that allows real-time transition between different voltage regulator circuits without requiring sequential calibration. The processor-controlled selection mechanism enables rapid reconfiguration of the voltage supply to match changing performance requirements instantaneously.
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 allows for flexible power management, enabling dynamic voltage scaling to optimize performance and reduce power consumption across various modes, enhancing security and performance by continuously monitoring and calibrating the voltage regulator's output.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator circuit to provide a regulated voltage from a power supply to the logic element
Implementation Method 2
a monitor circuit to monitor a voltage level at an input of the logic element
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment relates to a method of controlling supply voltage regulation within an integrated circuit. An external interrupt is sent from an external interaction processing layer to a processor in the integrated circuit. Off-die instructions are generated by the external interaction processing layer and sent to the processor. The off-die instructions are executed by the processor to test and adjust supply voltage regulation within the integrated circuit on a sector-by-sector basis. Another embodiment relates to a method of controlling a supply voltage regulator for a sector of an integrated circuit. Commands are sent by a processor and translated by a sector manager to bits. The bits are loaded into registers so as to set the regulator control circuit to the testing mode send a supply voltage to an analog-to-digital converter. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.