Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Automatic Mode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor integrated circuits, accurately changing operation modes in response to varying operation frequencies is burdensome for program designers, especially with multiple interruptions and exceptional processes, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption management.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit configuration that includes an internal clock generation circuit, registers for storing frequency information, and a table circuit to control operation modes based on frequency information, allowing for automatic mode changes without the need for large-scale frequency measurement or determination circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual program control is used to switch operation modes based on clock frequency, then operation modes can be changed, but the burden on program designers increases and management complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit automatically determines the appropriate operation mode based on the internal clock frequency without requiring manual program intervention. The circuit self-manages the mode selection by comparing the internal clock frequency with reference frequencies and automatically selecting the matching operation mode, thereby eliminating the burden on program designers while managing multiple operation modes efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The determination circuit continuously monitors the internal clock frequency and uses this feedback to automatically adjust and select the appropriate operation mode. By establishing a feedback mechanism that compares the actual clock frequency with reference frequencies, the system can dynamically and automatically switch between operation modes without manual intervention, reducing design complexity while maintaining ease of operation
2Extent of automation
If large-scale frequency measurement or determination circuits are used to enable automatic mode changes, then operation mode switching becomes automatic, but circuit complexity and scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential determination function needed for automatic mode switching, separating it from complex frequency measurement circuits. By taking out just the necessary clock frequency comparison capability and implementing a simplified determination circuit that compares internal clock frequency with reference frequencies, the system achieves automation without requiring large-scale frequency measurement circuits, thus maintaining low circuit complexity while enabling automatic operation mode changes
Solution Approach 2:
The determination circuit uses simple, easily implementable comparison logic rather than complex, expensive frequency measurement infrastructure. By employing a lightweight determination mechanism that relies on basic frequency comparison with reference values, the system achieves automatic mode switching functionality without the overhead of large-scale circuits, effectively using a simple, disposable-like determination approach rather than investing in complex permanent measurement infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to reduce burden on a program for changing an operation mode of an internal circuit in accordance with an internal clock frequency without mounting a large-scale circuit in an LSI in which setting of the frequency of an internal clock can be dynamically changed. In an LSI including an internal clock generation circuit generating an internal clock from a clock source in accordance with a parameter supplied, a register storing frequency information of the clock source, a register storing the parameter, and an internal circuit having a plurality of operation modes, a table circuit controlling the operation mode of the internal circuit in association with the frequency information and the parameter supplied from the registers is provided.