Semiconductor Device Dynamic Storage Method Power Cycling

Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor devices with latch memories face challenges in reducing power consumption, as existing storage methods either consume high power during processing or require long overhead times to turn off the power, depending on the frequency of power cycling.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a control circuit and CPU that dynamically selects between constant storage and end storage methods based on the frequency of power cycling, using transistors with extremely low off-state current to minimize power consumption and overhead time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If constant storage method is used, then power can be turned off immediately, but power consumption during processing increases due to sequential access to memory elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverhead timeVSAvoidpower consumption during processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage method adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between constant storage method and end storage method based on the frequency of power cycling. When power cycling frequency is high, constant storage method is selected to minimize overhead time. When power cycling frequency is low, end storage method is selected to reduce processing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between overhead time and processing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If end storage method is used, then power consumption during processing decreases, but overhead time increases when turning off power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption during processingVSAvoidoverhead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage method adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between constant storage method and end storage method based on the frequency of power cycling. When power cycling frequency is high, constant storage method is selected to minimize overhead time. When power cycling frequency is low, end storage method is selected to reduce processing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between overhead time and processing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If constant storage method is used, then overhead time is short, but power consumed by charge and discharge of memory elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverhead timeVSAvoidpower consumed by charge and discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage method adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between constant storage method and end storage method based on the frequency of power cycling. When power cycling frequency is high, constant storage method is selected to minimize overhead time. When power cycling frequency is low, end storage method is selected to reduce processing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between overhead time and processing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of energy

If end storage method is used, then power consumed by charge and discharge of memory elements decreases, but overhead time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumed by charge and dischargeVSAvoidoverhead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage method adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between constant storage method and end storage method based on the frequency of power cycling. When power cycling frequency is high, constant storage method is selected to minimize overhead time. When power cycling frequency is low, end storage method is selected to reduce processing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between overhead time and processing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution effectively reduces power consumption in CPUs with latch memories by optimizing data storage methods according to power cycling frequency, balancing power usage during processing and shutdown times.

Implementation Method 1

The off-state current per micrometer in channel width of the transistor is less than or equal to 10 aA/μm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow off-state current: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8817527B2Semiconductor device

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

When a CPU provided with a latch memory is operated, a constant storage method or an end storage method is selected depending on what is processed by the CPU; thus, the CPU provided with a latch memory has low power consumption. When the CPU provided with a latch memory is operated, in the case where the number of times of turning on and off the power source is high, a constant storage method is employed and in the case where the number of times of turning on and off the power source is low, an end storage method is employed. Whether a constant storage method or an end storage method is selected is determined based on the threshold value set depending on power consumption.