Semiconductor Device Dynamic Clock Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices in vehicles face challenges in reducing power consumption during engine stop periods due to prolonged transition and recovery periods when using low-frequency clock signals, leading to increased average current consumption and complex control processes.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a frequency output circuit that outputs a clock signal of specified frequency, a control circuit for managing standby mode transitions, and a frequency selection circuit that adjusts the duration of state transitions, allowing for increased clock frequency during transition and recovery periods to shorten these periods and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a low-frequency clock signal is used for controlling standby mode transitions, then power consumption is reduced, but the transition period and recovery period become longer, increasing average current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal frequency variable rather than fixed. The frequency output circuit dynamically adjusts the clock signal frequency based on the operational state: using low frequency during normal operation and standby mode to reduce power consumption, and switching to high frequency during transition and recovery periods to shorten these time intervals. This dynamic frequency adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the frequency parameter of the clock signal according to different operational phases. The frequency output circuit changes the clock signal frequency parameter from a constant value to a variable value that adapts to the current state (normal operation, standby, transition, or recovery), thereby optimizing both power consumption and transition speed.
2Loss of energy
If the frequency of the clock signal used for control is lowered, then power consumption is reduced, but it becomes difficult to generate appropriate control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock signal frequency based on operational requirements. During normal operation and standby modes, low frequency is used to reduce power consumption. During transition and recovery periods, high frequency is used to ensure proper signal generation and timing, resolving the contradiction between power saving and signal generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between low-frequency and high-frequency clock signals based on the operational phase. The frequency output circuit periodically switches between frequency modes: low frequency for extended periods (normal operation, standby) and high frequency for shorter critical periods (transition, recovery), ensuring both power efficiency and operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The semiconductor device includes a frequency output circuit that outputs a clock signal having a specified frequency, a circuit block that realizes a predetermined function, and a standby controller that controls a standby mode of the circuit block in accordance with the clock signal. Here, the standby controller includes a control circuit that outputs state information corresponding to the control of the standby mode, a frequency control signal that designates the frequency of the clock signal output from the frequency output circuit in accordance with the state information, and a frequency selection circuit that outputs count information that designates the duration of the state transition of the circuit block.