Semiconductor Power Supply Cells for Leak Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor integrated circuit devices, the increasing leak current due to microfabrication advancements leads to high power consumption, especially in large-scale integrated circuits, and designing power supply circuits for multiple function modules with different specifications is inefficient, increasing the risk of human errors and reducing design efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor integrated circuit device employs a power supply circuit design with switch elements and a power supply switch controller to manage power supply voltages and bias voltages, allowing for shared power supply circuits and reduced leak current, while enabling high-precision direct current testing and quick startup times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power supply voltage is interrupted in standby mode to reduce leak current, then power consumption is reduced, but startup time increases and circuits requiring continuous power (such as registers) cannot maintain their state
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is divided into multiple independent cells, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows different regions of the circuit to be in different power states simultaneously, enabling fast startup of critical sections while maintaining power savings in non-critical sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Power supply cells are pre-configured and can be activated in a predetermined sequence. Critical cells are prepared and activated first to ensure fast startup, while non-critical cells are activated subsequently to maintain overall power efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a bias voltage is supplied to the back gate to reduce leak current while maintaining circuit operation, then power consumption is reduced, but design complexity increases due to additional voltage supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply cells are designed to provide multiple functions: normal power supply, leak current reduction through back-gate biasing, and fast startup mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby managing design complexity while achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit can dynamically change its operating parameters, including the back-gate voltage, to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters based on operational requirements, the circuit achieves leak current reduction without requiring fundamentally different circuit architectures.
3Measurement precision
If separate power supply circuits are designed for each function module with different specifications, then power management precision is improved, but design efficiency deteriorates and human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal power supply cell design is created that can be configured to meet different power management requirements through software or control logic. This standardized cell can serve multiple function modules with different specifications, improving design efficiency while maintaining precise power control through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal power supply cell allows dynamic adjustment of its operating parameters to match the specific requirements of different function modules. This flexibility enables precise power management for each module without requiring custom-designed circuits, thereby maintaining design efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If microfabrication is advanced to increase device density, then integration scale is improved, but leak current increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The high-density integrated circuit is divided into multiple power supply cells that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the circuit to enter low-power states selectively, compensating for the increased leak current inherent in high-density microfabrication by enabling regions to be powered down when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply cells can implement periodic power cycling or duty-cycled operation, where power is supplied in intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces average power consumption in high-density circuits where leak current is significant, allowing devices to be activated only when needed.
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
This design achieves lower power consumption, improved design efficiency, and effective leak current reduction, facilitating efficient power management and high-precision testing across various function modules within the semiconductor integrated circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a first switch element for connecting a power supply voltage line or an ground voltage supply line to a power supply line of an internal circuit
Implementation Method 2
a method of supplying a bias voltage to a back gate of an MOSFET to increase an effective threshold voltage and, while largely reducing the leak current
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit device with improved designing efficiency while achieving higher functions. An inner circuit is surrounded by a plurality of cells in which a first switch element for connecting a power supply voltage line or a ground voltage supply line to a power supply line of an internal circuit is disposed below power supply lines extending in a first and second directions, and the power lines are connected together.