Dynamic Voltage Control for Semiconductor Interface Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining normal data transmission and reception when dynamically controlling supply voltage, as it disrupts the AC timing specification between the interface circuit and external memory, leading to synchronization issues and power dissipation problems.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit configuration using two power supply ICs, where the interface circuit operates with a voltage from a second power supply IC, a determination circuit adjusts the output voltage based on AC timing specifications, and a voltage control circuit dynamically controls the supply voltage to maintain data latch timing within the AC timing window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If dynamic control is made to a supply voltage supplied to the interface circuit, then power dissipation is reduced, but the AC timing specification between the external memory and the interface circuit is no longer met
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent power supply ICs: a first power supply IC for the semiconductor integrated circuit and a second power supply IC for the interface circuit. This segmentation allows independent voltage control of the interface circuit, enabling dynamic voltage adjustment without affecting the main circuit's timing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The output voltage of the second power supply IC is dynamically adjusted based on control information generated from AC timing specification measurements. By changing the voltage parameter of the interface circuit's power supply, the system optimizes power dissipation while maintaining timing compliance through real-time parameter adaptation.
2Productivity
If the output voltage of the second power supply IC is dynamically controlled, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the interface stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The determination circuit measures the actual AC timing specification between the external memory and interface circuit, compares it with the specified timing requirement, and generates control information feedback to the voltage control circuit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that voltage adjustments maintain timing compliance and interface stability while optimizing data transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static power supply configuration to a dynamic one where the second power supply IC's output voltage can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the interface circuit to adapt its operating conditions for optimal performance while the feedback mechanism ensures stability is maintained throughout the adjustment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit operates with a voltage supplied from a first power supply IC to transmit and receive data to and from an external memory. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: an interface circuit operating with a voltage supplied from a second power supply IC and accessing the external memory to transmit and receive data to and from the external memory; a determination circuit which determines, based on a result of the access by the interface circuit, an AC timing specification between the external memory and the interface circuit to generate control information for controlling an output voltage of the second power supply IC in accordance with the AC timing specification; and a voltage control circuit which controls the output voltage of the second power supply IC in accordance with the control information.