Semiconductor Memory Standby Power Reduction via Periodic Analog Subcircuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory circuits face high power requirements in standby mode due to contributions from refresh circuits and leakage currents, which limit battery life in mobile devices, and reducing power requirements adversely affects the speed and accuracy of analog circuits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that periodically switches the power supply to the analog subcircuit, supplying power for a short duration and not supplying it for another short duration, reducing the average power requirement by approximately 90% and allowing for better optimization of analog subcircuit parameters without compromising sensitivity to interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the analog subcircuit is continuously supplied with electrical power in standby mode, then the operating properties (speed and accuracy) are maintained, but the power requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by supplying electrical power to the analog subcircuit in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The controller periodically activates the switching device to provide power during specific time durations, then deactivates it during other time durations. This periodic power supply reduces the average power requirement while maintaining adequate operating properties during active periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power requirement of the analog subcircuit is reduced, then the average power consumption decreases, but the speed and accuracy of the analog circuit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable between active and inactive periods. The switching device dynamically transitions between connecting and disconnecting the power supply based on operational requirements. This dynamic power management allows the system to achieve low average power consumption while maintaining high speed during active operation periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power requirement is reduced by decreasing currents, then energy consumption decreases, but sensitivity to electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action to mitigate electromagnetic interference sensitivity. By periodically activating the analog subcircuit rather than keeping it continuously active at low currents, the system maintains higher current levels during active periods, thereby reducing sensitivity to electromagnetic interference during those periods while still achieving low average energy consumption over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory circuit having a controller by means of which the semiconductor memory circuit can be switched into a standby mode with a reduced power requirement, comprises an analog subcircuit having a power input and a signal output and is characterized by the fact that a switching device for feeding electrical power is connected to the power input and the controller is connected to the switching device in such a way that the switching device can be driven by the controller in such a way that the switching device, in the standby mode, supplies the analog subcircuit with electrical power during a first periodically repeated time duration and does not supply it with electrical power during a second periodically repeated time duration.