Semiconductor Clock Control Circuit for Dynamic Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices lack an efficient power management system that effectively controls clock signals and power states of intellectual property blocks (IP blocks) in a System-on-Chip (SoC), leading to resource wastage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a master-slave relationship for clock signal control, managed by hardware, utilizing clock control circuits, channel management circuits, and a power management unit (PMU) to dynamically control clock signals and power states of IP blocks, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If clock signals are continuously provided to all IP blocks, then system reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases and resource wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock control where the clock management unit adjusts clock signal provision based on IP block execution status. Clock signals are dynamically enabled or disabled for each IP block depending on whether it is currently executing, transforming the static clock distribution into a dynamic adaptive system that reduces power consumption while maintaining reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where IP blocks signal their execution status to the clock management unit, which then adjusts clock provision accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that clock signals are provided only when IP blocks need them, preventing resource wastage while maintaining system reliability through continuous monitoring and adaptive response
2Productivity
If hardware-based master-slave relationship is implemented for clock control, then power management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock control function into distinct hardware components: a clock management unit that handles high-level coordination and a master-slave relationship mechanism that manages individual IP block clock control. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall power management efficiency while keeping the complexity of individual modules manageable through modular design
3Productivity
If clock signals are stopped for non-executing IP blocks, then resource wastage is reduced, but clock management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where IP blocks automatically signal their execution status and clock control is automatically adjusted without requiring external intervention. The clock management unit autonomously monitors IP block states and adjusts clock provision accordingly, reducing the need for complex manual management while improving resource utilization efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a first control circuit controlling a first child clock source to receive a clock signal from a parent clock source, a first channel management (CM) circuit transmitting a first clock request to the first control circuit in response to a second clock request received from a first IP block, a second control circuit controlling a second child clock source to receive the clock signal from the parent clock source, a second CM circuit transmitting a third clock request to the second control circuit in response to a fourth clock request received from a second IP block, and a power management unit transmitting a power control command to the first CM circuit and the second CM circuit to control a power state of the first IP block and the second IP block. The first CM circuit and the second exchange signals to maintain a master-slave relationship.