Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Annular Rail Switch Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor integrated circuits face issues with voltage drop and increased leakage current due to non-uniform voltage distribution and complex wiring configurations, particularly when switch transistors are positioned far from the VDD voltage supply source, leading to inefficient power management and design complexities.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor integrated circuit design featuring annular rail lines and standardized switch blocks with uniform positional relations, where switch blocks are connected to form closed annular rail lines around the circuit block, allowing for flexible positioning and optimization of switch blocks without the need for extensive re-wiring, thereby simplifying design changes and reducing leakage current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If switch transistors are positioned far from the VDD voltage supply source, then the circuit block can be larger and more flexible in layout, but voltage drop increases and leakage current increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit block areaVSAvoidvoltage drop and leakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply network is segmented into multiple annular rail lines (first annular rail line and second annular rail line) with multiple connection points distributed around the circuit block. This segmentation allows switch transistors at different positions to connect to nearby power supply points, reducing the distance between switches and power sources while maintaining layout flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses annular (circular) rail lines instead of straight linear power supply traces. This curved/annular configuration allows power supply points to be distributed evenly around the circuit block, minimizing the maximum distance from any switch transistor to its nearest power supply connection point, thereby reducing voltage drop and leakage current.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Loss of energy

If complex wiring configurations are used to achieve uniform voltage distribution, then voltage drop is reduced, but device complexity and design difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage dropVSAvoidwiring configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The annular rail line structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply distribution, creates uniform voltage distribution through its geometric symmetry, and offers multiple connection points for switches. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate complex wiring configurations specifically designed for voltage drop compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular rail line configuration with multiple distributed connection points creates equipotential regions around the circuit block. By connecting switches at different positions to the annular rail line, the patent achieves uniform voltage distribution without requiring complex equalizing wiring, as the annular structure inherently provides symmetric potential distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized switch blocks with uniform positional relations are used, then design changes become easier and leakage current is reduced, but adaptability to different circuit configurations may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign change easeVSAvoidcircuit configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a modular switch block design where standardized units can be dynamically inserted, moved, or deleted along the annular rail lines. The uniform positional relations and standardized interfaces allow these modules to be reconfigured flexibly to adapt to different circuit configurations while maintaining the benefits of standardization for ease of manufacture and reduced leakage current.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10263617B2Semiconductor integrated circuit having a switch, an electrically-conductive electrode line and an electrically-conductive virtual line

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor integrated circuit including: a circuit block having an internal voltage line; an annular rail line forming a closed annular line around the circuit block and supplied with one of a power supply voltage and a reference voltage; and a plurality of switch blocks arranged around the circuit block along the annular rail line, the plurality of switch blocks each including a voltage line segment forming a part of the annular rail line and a switch for controlling connection and disconnection between the voltage line segment and the internal voltage line.