Semiconductor Power Supply Sequencing for Rush Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in reducing return time from standby mode to normal operation mode while minimizing voltage drops due to rush currents when multiple power supply regions are powered simultaneously, leading to longer return times and potential operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device configuration that includes multiple power supply regions with a setting unit to specify the order of power supply voltage distribution, allowing for simultaneous or sequential powering of regions to minimize rush currents and voltage drops, thereby shortening the return time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If power supply is started simultaneously to multiple power supply regions, then the return time from standby mode is shortened, but a large rush current flows causing voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply regions are divided into multiple groups, and power supply is restarted in a segmented manner rather than simultaneously. The setting unit specifies different restart orders for different groups of power supply regions, allowing the system to avoid large rush currents while maintaining relatively short return time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different restart strategies are applied to different power supply regions based on their local characteristics. The setting unit allows specification of region-specific restart orders, enabling optimization of rush current suppression for each region while balancing overall return time.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If power supply is supplied sequentially to divided power supply regions, then voltage drop is suppressed, but the return time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
Power supply regions are segmented into multiple groups with different restart orders. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the rush current over time while avoiding complete sequential powering, thus balancing voltage drop suppression with acceptable return time.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply restart is performed in periodic waves across different groups of regions. Instead of linear sequential powering, multiple groups are powered in alternating sequences, reducing the overall return time while maintaining controlled rush current levels.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply regions are divided and controlled individually, then power consumption is reduced in standby mode, but the complexity of power control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit serves multiple functions: it specifies restart orders for different power supply regions, stores region identification information, and coordinates with the power supply control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each region, thereby managing complexity while enabling individual region control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power supply region is assigned a unique identification that is stored in the setting unit. The control system uses these identifiers to automatically manage the restart sequence without requiring complex external control logic for each region, allowing the system to self-organize the power restoration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device which is a processor includes a plurality of first power supply regions in each of which a functional module having a predetermined function is arranged and to which a power supply voltage is individually supplied, a setting unit configured to specify an order of supplying the power supply voltage in the plurality of first power supply regions, and a power controller configured to supply the power supply voltage to the plurality of first power supply regions in accordance with the order specified by the setting unit.