Semiconductor DCDC Control Unit for Dynamic Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in providing a stable power supply voltage due to varying load currents and manufacturing conditions, leading to fluctuations in operation speed and potential EMI from power circuit noise, necessitating a system that can dynamically adjust power supply voltage according to the operational state of functional blocks.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a DCDC control unit integrated on the chip, which uses sensors to detect voltage, current, and temperature information to generate PWM signals that control the switching transistors in the power circuit, adjusting the duty cycle to maintain a desired output voltage and prevent EMI by synchronizing the power circuit frequency and phase with the chip's operating frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power supply voltage is increased to improve operation speed, then the operation speed of the circuit increases, but power consumption increases and EMI risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment by integrating a DCDC control unit that continuously monitors operational parameters (temperature, current, voltage) and adjusts the power supply voltage in real-time. This allows the system to operate at higher voltages when needed for speed while reducing voltage during normal operation to save power, resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply voltage parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. The DCDC control unit adjusts the voltage level according to temperature, current load, and operational state, enabling the circuit to achieve high operation speed when necessary while maintaining lower power consumption during normal operation, thus resolving the speed-power consumption trade-off.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage is reduced to decrease power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but the operation speed reduces and circuit may be disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor temperature, current, and voltage levels, and this information is fed back to the DCDC control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust the power supply voltage dynamically, ensuring it remains high enough to maintain reliable circuit operation while minimizing power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between power savings and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply voltage based on real-time operational conditions. When load current increases or temperature rises, the voltage is automatically increased to maintain reliable operation. When conditions are favorable, voltage is reduced to save power, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and operational reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power supply voltages are supplied to different functional blocks, then power efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the semiconductor device into multiple power domains, each with its own power supply voltage tailored to the specific functional block's requirements. This segmentation allows different voltage levels to be supplied to different blocks (e.g., high voltage for performance-critical blocks, low voltage for low-power blocks), improving overall power efficiency while managing complexity through modular power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCDC control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors temperature, current, and voltage; controls switching transistors; adjusts duty cycle; and manages multiple power domains. This multi-functional approach improves power efficiency across different functional blocks while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each block, thus managing overall device complexity.
4Speed
If the switching frequency of the power circuit is increased to improve power delivery response, then power delivery responsiveness improves, but EMI from noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the switching frequency parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. The DCDC control unit monitors temperature, current, and voltage, and adjusts the switching frequency to optimize power delivery response while minimizing EMI. By changing this parameter adaptively, the system achieves fast power delivery when needed while reducing noise interference, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and EMI.
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 solution enables responsive power supply voltage adjustments, preventing circuit disablement and EMI, while reducing power consumption and maintaining optimal operation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power circuit which includes a switching transistor and supplies an output voltage to the first power supply terminal in accordance with a duty cycle of a control signal
Implementation Method 2
uses sensors to detect voltage, current, and temperature information
Implementation Method 3
uses sensors to detect voltage, current, and temperature information
Implementation Method 4
generate PWM signals that control the switching transistors in the power circuit, adjusting the duty cycle to maintain a desired output voltage
Implementation Method 5
synchronizing the power circuit frequency and phase with the chip's operating frequency to prevent EMI
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip which includes a first power supply terminal and into which a circuit block which is operated by a power supply voltage supplied to the first power supply terminal is integrated, a power circuit that includes switching transistors and supplies the power supply voltage to the first power supply terminal, and a DCDC control unit that is formed on the first semiconductor chip and generates a control signal for controlling the turning on and off of the switching transistors in response to an information signal from the circuit block and a voltage information signal corresponding to an output voltage from the power circuit.