Segmented SCRC Switch Control for Lower Peak Supply Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sub-threshold current reduction circuit (SCRC) switches consume excessive power when all switches are activated, especially during lower operational modes, leading to increased peak and steady-state power supply current due to their wide configuration, which is not optimized for varying operational speeds.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with separate sets of SCRC switches and an SCRC switch gate driver to control different sets of switches based on operational modes, staggering the activation of switches to reduce peak power supply current and maintaining only necessary switches active, thereby optimizing power usage across different operational speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If all SCRC switches are activated to reduce sub-threshold leak current, then sub-threshold leak current is reduced, but power consumption increases excessively during lower operational modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesub-threshold leak currentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the SCRC switches into multiple sets (first set, second set, etc.) that can be independently controlled. Each set can be selectively activated based on operational mode, allowing the system to reduce sub-threshold leak current in active regions while keeping inactive regions powered down, thus resolving the contradiction between leak current reduction and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of SCRC switch activation based on operational mode. The system transitions from static activation (all switches always on) to dynamic activation (selective switching based on mode), enabling adaptability that reduces both leak current and overall power consumption by matching switch activation to actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If wide configuration of SCRC switches is used to reduce sub-threshold leak current, then current reduction effectiveness improves, but peak power supply current increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesub-threshold leak current reduction effectivenessVSAvoidpeak power supply current

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting SCRC switches into multiple sets distributed across different regions, the patent enables selective activation of only necessary switches. This prevents the simultaneous activation of all wide-configured switches, thereby reducing peak power supply current while maintaining effective sub-threshold leak current reduction in active regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of SCRC switches required for the current operational mode rather than all switches. This partial activation achieves sufficient leak current reduction without the excessive peak power supply current that would result from activating all switches simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If all SCRC switches are activated to ensure power distribution, then power distribution coverage is complete, but steady-state power supply current increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution coverageVSAvoidsteady-state power supply current

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple controllable regions via separate SCRC switch sets. Each region can be independently powered based on operational mode requirements, ensuring complete power distribution coverage for active regions while eliminating unnecessary current flow in inactive regions, thus reducing steady-state power supply current.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static full-power distribution to dynamic selective power distribution. By adapting SCRC switch activation to operational modes, the system maintains complete power distribution coverage for necessary regions while dynamically reducing steady-state power supply current by powering down unnecessary regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11757445B2Sub-threshold current reduction circuit switches and related apparatuses and methods

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Sub-threshold current reduction circuit (SCRC) switches and related apparatuses and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes an electronic circuit, a first set of SCRC switches, and a second set of SCRC switches. The electronic circuit includes first circuitry and second circuitry. The first set of SCRC switches are at one or more SCRC regions of an integrated circuit device including the electronic circuit. The first set of SCRC switches are configured to provide power to the first circuitry. At least one second SCRC switch of the second set of SCRC switches is positioned between one of the first set of SCRC switches and another of the first set of SCRC switches. The second set of SCRC switches is configured to provide power to the second circuitry.