Semiconductor Circuit Pulse Width Control for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods to reduce power consumption in semiconductor circuits by decreasing output amplitude require additional circuitry, potentially increasing area and voltage, and can delay timing due to reduced waveform proportionality.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor circuit design that includes a driver with transistors and a pulse control circuit supplying control signals with different pulse widths to reduce output amplitude without increasing the voltage source, utilizing components like NAND circuits, delay circuits, and high-impedance compensation to control the output amplitude effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage to the output circuit is reduced to decrease output amplitude, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit area increases due to dedicated constant voltage supply circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the reduced voltage for low-power operation and the constant voltage reference for stable signal levels. By integrating these functions into a single circuit block rather than adding separate dedicated circuits, the patent avoids increasing circuit area while achieving power consumption reduction through lowered output amplitude
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage reduction function and constant voltage supply function into a single integrated power supply circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated constant voltage supply circuitry that would otherwise increase circuit area, while still achieving the power consumption reduction benefit of lowered output amplitude
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage is reduced to decrease output amplitude, then power consumption is reduced, but the voltage level increases due to dedicated constant voltage supply circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is designed with dynamic voltage regulation capability, allowing it to provide different voltage levels as needed. It can supply reduced voltage to the output circuit for low-power operation while simultaneously maintaining appropriate voltage levels for constant voltage reference, adapting its output based on the specific operational requirements rather than being fixed at a single voltage level
3Use of energy by moving object
If the output waveform amplitude is reduced proportionally in voltage direction, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit timing is delayed compared to full amplitude circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different parts of the circuit based on their specific requirements. The output circuit receives reduced voltage for low-power operation, while critical timing paths and reference circuits maintain full voltage levels to preserve timing characteristics. This localized voltage assignment allows power reduction without compromising overall circuit timing
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit is designed to provide voltage boosting capability in advance for critical timing paths. By preparing and supplying higher voltage levels to specific circuits that are time-sensitive before they need to operate, the patent ensures that these circuits can maintain their timing characteristics even when other parts of the system operate at reduced voltage for power savings
Data Source
AI summary
A signal is caused to have a small amplitude without increasing a voltage source, and power consumption is reduced. A semiconductor circuit includes a driver, and a pulse control circuit that controls the driver. The driver has a configuration in which first and second transistors are connected. The pulse control circuit supplies a first control signal to the first transistor, and supplies a second control signal to the second transistor. The first and second control signals to be supplied from the pulse control circuit are different in a pulse width from each other. Therefore, the pulse control circuit reduces an output amplitude of the driver.