Semiconductor Power Supply Control via Interconnect Potential Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply control systems for electronic apparatuses, particularly those with semiconductor integrated circuits, face challenges in dynamically and accurately controlling power supply voltage due to fixed resistor voltage dividers, leading to performance variations and increased costs with higher bit digital signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control system utilizing an analog control signal generated based on internal interconnect potential for feedback control, allowing dynamic and high-resolution voltage control with a simple configuration, including a potential monitor circuit and potential control circuit to adjust voltage according to load conditions and operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed resistor voltage divider circuit is used, then the power supply voltage accuracy is ensured at the power supply IC output, but the output voltage cannot be dynamically controlled and variations occur at the load due to impedance and component accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed resistor voltage divider with a digitally controllable voltage divider using switchable resistors controlled by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This allows the division ratio to be dynamically adjusted based on load conditions and operation modes, enabling the output voltage to be adaptively controlled while maintaining accuracy through digital feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resistance values in the voltage divider circuit dynamically by switching between different resistor configurations based on operational requirements. This parameter change enables the system to maintain voltage accuracy across varying load conditions while providing dynamic control capability that the fixed resistor circuit cannot achieve.
2Measurement precision
If higher bit digital signal processing is used for dynamic voltage control, then the voltage control resolution is improved, but the circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analog buffer circuit as an intermediary between the digital control signal and the voltage divider circuit. The DAC converts digital control signals to analog voltage, which then controls the switching of resistors in the voltage divider. This intermediary approach achieves high-resolution voltage control without requiring complex high-bit digital signal processing throughout the entire control path, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Measurement precision
If the power supply IC is placed close to the load, then the power supply voltage accuracy is improved, but the design flexibility and ease of manufacture are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual output voltage is monitored and compared with the desired voltage level. The difference signal is used to adjust the DAC output, which in turn adjusts the voltage divider ratio to compensate for voltage drops in the interconnect. This feedback loop enables accurate voltage control even when the power supply IC is located away from the load, providing design flexibility while maintaining voltage accuracy through active compensation rather than relying on physical proximity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit which operates based on a power supply voltage output from a power supply device configured to generate a voltage of a magnitude in accordance with an analog control signal includes: a first terminal to which the power supply voltage is applied; an internal interconnect which is connected to the first terminal, and distributes the power supply voltage to sections in the semiconductor integrated circuit; and a second terminal from which the analog control signal is output. The analog control signal is generated to have a magnitude in accordance with a potential of the internal interconnect.