Semiconductor Output Driver Dynamic Power Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face increased current consumption and reduced operation speed due to unnecessary power supply voltage being applied to output data generation circuits during non-operational periods, leading to degraded data precision and potential mis-operations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor system and device configuration that includes multiple power supply voltages, where the internal power supply voltage is driven only during read operations, and output data generation blocks are supplied with a combination of internal and higher power supply voltages to enhance driving force and reduce leakage current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power supply voltage is continuously supplied to the output data generation circuit, then the circuit can operate whenever needed, but current consumption increases during non-operational periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control by switching between a first power supply voltage (higher) and a second power supply voltage (lower or zero) based on operational state. The control circuit activates the output data generation circuit with higher voltage during read operations and reduces power supply during non-operational periods, making the power supply adaptive to actual needs rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic power supply activation where the output data generation circuit receives power supply voltage only during specific operational periods (read operations) and remains powered down during non-operational periods. This periodic on/off power supply pattern reduces overall current consumption while ensuring the circuit is available when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply voltage is reduced to decrease current consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the driving force of output data generation circuit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts power supply voltage levels based on operational requirements. During read operations when driving force is needed, the circuit receives the first power supply voltage (higher level). During non-operational periods, it receives the second power supply voltage (lower or zero level). This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate driving force during operation while minimizing current consumption during idle states.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply voltage is insufficient, then current consumption decreases, but operation speed and data precision are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control that provides sufficient voltage levels during operational periods to maintain high operation speed and data precision, while reducing or eliminating power supply during non-operational periods. The control circuit ensures that when read operations occur, the output data generation circuit receives adequate power supply voltage to operate at full performance.
4Speed
If power supply voltage is continuously applied, then operation speed can be maintained, but leakage current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic power supply activation where the output data generation circuit is powered only during read operations and powered down during non-operational periods. This periodic on/off pattern eliminates leakage current during idle states while ensuring the circuit is fully powered and ready to operate at full speed when read operations occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor system may include a first semiconductor device configured to output a command signal, a first power supply voltage, a second power supply voltage and a third power supply voltage. The semiconductor system may include a second semiconductor device configured to drive an internal power supply voltage with the first power supply voltage in response to an internal command signal generated by decoding the command signal, generate first output data from first internal data by being supplied with the internal power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage, and generate second output data from second internal data by being supplied with the internal power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage.