Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Dynamic Signal Line Floating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuits face increased power consumption due to capacitive coupling between signal wires, which can be mitigated by increasing the gap between signal lines, but this approach enlarges the chip area.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inverting repeater circuit with an equalizer circuit that brings one signal line into a floating state during the operation of the other, reducing capacitive coupling and power consumption without increasing the chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the gap between signal lines is increased to decrease capacitive coupling, then power consumption is reduced, but chip area is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The signal lines are configured to dynamically alternate between active and floating states. When one signal line is active, the other is placed in a floating state, and vice versa. This dynamic switching reduces capacitive coupling effects during signal transmission without requiring increased physical spacing between the lines, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining compact chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic alternating activation of signal lines. The control circuit periodically switches which signal line is active and which is floating, creating a rhythmic pattern of signal transmission. This periodic action allows efficient use of the signal lines while minimizing capacitive coupling-induced power consumption, achieving low power usage without expanding the chip area.
2Area of stationary object
If signal lines are placed close together to reduce chip area, then area is reduced, but capacitive coupling increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically switching signal lines between active and floating states, the system minimizes capacitive coupling effects even when lines are closely spaced. The floating state reduces charge transfer and associated power consumption, allowing compact layout without excessive power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical state parameter of the signal lines by alternating between driven and floating conditions. This parameter change effectively reduces the impact of capacitive coupling, enabling close placement of signal lines while controlling power consumption through state management rather than physical spacing.
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 effectively reduces power supply current and decreases power consumption by minimizing the influence of capacitive coupling between signal lines, maintaining efficient signal transmission while avoiding area expansion.
Implementation Method 1
Semiconductor integrated circuits increase power consumption because of capacitive coupling between signal wires when signals are transmitted therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first signal line including a first part and a second part, a second signal line including a third part and a fourth part, a first inverter, a second inverter, and a control circuit. A first signal is input to the first part in a first period. A second signal is input to the third part in a second period. The first inverter outputs, to the second part, a first inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the first signal is inverted. The second inverter outputs, to the fourth part, a second inverted signal obtained such that a logic of the second signal is inverted. The control circuit brings the second signal line into a floating state in the first period, and brings the first signal line into a floating state in the second period.