Semiconductor Activation Circuit Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices with daisy-chain connected semiconductor devices face high current consumption during the standby state due to the operation of regulators and communication circuits, which prevents effective power management.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes an activation circuit, a regulator, a boosting circuit, and communication circuits operating within specific voltage ranges to minimize power consumption during standby, where only the activation circuit remains active, reducing unnecessary power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulator and communication circuits are kept in operation state during standby, then communication between semiconductor devices is enabled at any time, but current consumption cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling where the regulator switches between different output voltages (first voltage for standby, second voltage for operation) based on the device state. The communication circuits dynamically adjust their operating voltage using voltage translation circuits, enabling them to operate at lower voltage during standby and full voltage during active communication, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the regulator output and communication circuit operating voltages based on the standby/operation state. During standby, the regulator outputs a first voltage that is lower than the normal operation voltage, and communication circuits translate this to appropriate lower operating voltages. When activation occurs, voltages are switched to full operation levels, achieving both power savings and functional availability.
2Reliability
If the regulator operates during standby state, then voltage supply is maintained for communication circuits, but unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the operational state of the semiconductor device. During standby, it outputs a reduced first voltage sufficient for maintaining basic voltage supply stability. Upon receiving an activation signal, it switches to outputting the full second voltage for normal operation, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing energy loss during standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic state transitions between standby and operation modes. The regulator alternates between providing reduced voltage during standby and full voltage during active periods, with the voltage translation circuits and communication circuits synchronizing their operation to these periodic state changes, achieving energy efficiency without compromising voltage supply stability when needed.
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 configuration significantly reduces current consumption in the standby state by limiting the operation of only the activation circuit, thereby enhancing power management and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a boosting circuit that generates and outputs a boosted voltage that is equal to or more than the driving voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device, a battery monitoring system, and a method for activating the semiconductor device that may reduce current consumption in standby state. An integrated circuit (IC) of the semiconductor device includes an activation circuit that uses a ground of the IC as ground and a power source voltage of the IC as its power source, and a driving circuit that uses the power source voltage as ground and a boosted voltage output from a boosting circuit as its power source. In the IC, only the activation circuit enters an operation state in a standby state, and when recovered from the standby state, causes the activation circuit to make inner circuits of the IC enter the operation state based on an activation signal. When all the inner circuits enter the operation state, the driving circuit outputs the activation signal to the activation circuit of an upper IC.