Semiconductor Device Power Supply Control Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcomputers consume unnecessary power as they supply power supply voltage to circuits like CPU and memory even when it is not necessary, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of power supply control switches controlled by a controller to individually manage the power supply voltage to CPU, memory, and signal processing circuits, optimizing the power supply period for each circuit to reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply voltage is supplied to all circuits simultaneously, then all circuits can operate, but unnecessary power is consumed when some circuits are not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent control paths, with separate power supply control switches (first power supply control switch, second power supply control switch, third power supply control switch) for CPU, memory, and signal processing circuit respectively. This allows each circuit to be powered independently based on its actual operational needs, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through modular control architecture.
2Loss of energy
If power supply control switches are provided for each circuit, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the first, second, and third power supply control switches, and also responds to input signals and instruction signals from both CPU and signal processing circuit. This multi-functional design consolidates control logic into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple power supply control switches.
3Ease of operation
If power supply to CPU and memory is controlled at the same time, then control logic is simple, but power cannot be optimized for individual circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control is segmented into independent control paths for CPU, memory, and signal processing circuit, each with its own power supply control switch. This segmentation enables granular power management where each circuit can be powered on or off independently based on its specific operational requirements, optimizing power consumption while maintaining manageable control through the multi-functional controller.
Data Source
AI summary
To individually control supply of the power supply voltage to circuits, a semiconductor device includes a CPU, a memory that reads and writes data used in arithmetic operation of the CPU, a signal processing circuit that generates an output signal by converting a data signal generated by the arithmetic operation of the CPU, a first power supply control switch that controls supply of the power supply voltage to the CPU, a second power supply control switch that controls supply of the power supply voltage to the memory, a third power supply control switch that controls supply of the power supply voltage to the signal processing circuit, and a controller that at least has a function of controlling the first to third power supply control switches individually in accordance with an input signal and instruction signals input from the CPU and the signal processing circuit.