Self-Timed Power Switches for Multi-Domain IC Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-power-domain integrated circuits, conventional methods fail to control the sequencing of power supplies during power-up, leading to transitional instability due to varying power levels, necessitating specialized level shifting circuits to manage power-up processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-controlled power switches and specially designed level shifting circuits that are self-timed and self-adjusted to regulate power-up sequences, ensuring stable power delivery across different power supplies by controlling power switches with a dynamic power-up sequence rather than fixed logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional level shifters are used to transfer logic signals among various power levels, then logic signal transfer is enabled, but transitional instability occurs during power-up when not all power supplies are stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic level shifting by detecting the stability state of power supplies in real-time and adjusting the level shifting operation accordingly. The circuit transitions from static conventional level shifting to dynamic adaptive level shifting, enabling reliable operation during power-up when power levels are changing and during normal operation when power levels are stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms that monitor the stability state of power supplies and use this information to control the level shifting process. The feedback loop detects when power supplies are stable and enables conventional level shifting, while detecting when power supplies are unstable and activating special level shifting modes, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional power-up reset signals are used to determine power-up sequence logic, then power-up sequencing is established, but no sequencing control is achieved for external power supplies in multi-power domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power-up sequencing where the power supply system automatically determines and executes the correct power-up sequence without external intervention. The circuit detects the availability of different power supplies and autonomously establishes the sequencing, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving precise sequencing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power-up control mechanism that handles multiple power domains and external power supplies through a single integrated approach. The circuit can manage various power-up scenarios (single power supply, multiple power supplies, different power levels) using the same basic structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If fixed logic is used to control power switches, then simple control is achieved, but reliable power delivery cannot be ensured during transitional power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed static control logic to dynamic adaptive control logic for power switches. The circuit continuously monitors power supply stability and adjusts the control signals to power switches in real-time, ensuring reliable power delivery during transitional periods when power levels are changing, while maintaining simple control during stable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling power distribution during transitory power-up period of multi-domain electronic circuits that are supplied by multiple power supplies. The power distribution is controlled by self-regulating power control circuits that operate based on power-up sequencing requirements. Described embodiments of the invention illustrate examples of power-switch and power-switch controller circuits used as elements of the power control circuitry.