Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Power Supply Switching Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor integrated circuits, power consumption cannot be sufficiently reduced when the external power supply voltage is low, as the step-down power supply circuit continues to supply voltage to both the RTC circuit and processor circuits, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with a changeover switch and power supply level detection circuit that disconnects the supply line to the processor circuit when the external power supply voltage falls below a threshold, allowing only the RTC circuit to continue operating, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the step-down power supply circuit is switched from active use to standby use to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the power supply voltage is still supplied to the processor circuit which prevents sufficient power consumption reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one for the RTC circuit and another for the processor circuit. The changeover switch separates these paths, allowing the processor circuit to be disconnected from the power supply while the RTC circuit remains connected, enabling independent power management of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The processor circuit is extracted from the power supply network when not needed, while the RTC circuit remains connected. The changeover switch removes the processor circuit from the power distribution system, allowing the system to maintain only the essential RTC functionality during low-power mode
2Use of energy by moving object
If the changeover switch disconnects the processor circuit from the power supply to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is suppressed, but the processor circuit cannot be quickly reactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The changeover switch is pre-configured with control circuitry that can quickly transition from the disconnected state to the connected state. The control mechanism is prepared in advance to enable rapid reconnection of the processor circuit to the power supply when activation is required, minimizing reactivation delay
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 solution efficiently suppresses power consumption by stopping the supply of internal power voltage to processor circuits when the external voltage is low, while ensuring the RTC circuit can still operate, thereby optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator transforming an external power supply voltage to generate an internal power supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
a power supply level detection circuit detecting a voltage level of the external power supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit capable of efficiently suppressing power consumption when a power supply voltage is lowered is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a regulator transforming an external power supply voltage to generate an internal power supply voltage; a processor circuit capable of operating by receiving the internal power supply voltage; a real time clock (RTC) circuit generating current time data by receiving the internal power supply voltage; a supply line supplying the internal power supply voltage to the RTC circuit and to the processor circuit; a changeover switch provided between the supply line and the processor circuit and switching between a connection state and a non-connection state between the supply line and the processor circuit; and a power supply level detection circuit detecting a voltage level of the external power supply voltage, and controlling the changeover switch so as to achieve the non-connection state between the supply line and the processor circuit if detecting that the voltage level is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold.