Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Power Supply Voltage Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuits face the challenge of achieving fast power source voltage transition while maintaining stability, especially during transitions between computing and sleep modes, as these capabilities are typically contradictory.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor integrated circuit incorporates a logic circuit with a power source circuit and a charge control block that includes a capacitor and switches to generate and manage power source voltages, allowing for rapid and stable transitions between computing and sleep modes by utilizing a decoupling capacitor and charge pump functions within a single circuit block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power source voltage is rapidly switched between 1V (fast computing mode) and 0.5V (sleep mode) to reduce power consumption and transition time, then the productivity and energy efficiency are improved, but the power source voltage becomes unstable and susceptible to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The power source voltage supply path is segmented into multiple independent voltage generation circuits (first power source voltage generation circuit for 1V, second power source voltage generation circuit for 0.5V) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific voltage level without interfering with the other, enabling fast switching while maintaining stability within each voltage domain.
Solution Approach 2:
A power source voltage selection circuit acts as an intermediary between the voltage generation circuits and the logic circuit. This selection circuit receives control signals and selectively connects either the first or second power source voltage generation circuit to the logic circuit, enabling rapid voltage transitions while isolating the logic circuit from the switching transients and maintaining voltage stability during operation.
2Reliability
If the power source voltage is maintained at 1V to ensure stable and noise-resistant operation of the logic circuit, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases when the logic circuit is in sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power source voltage supplied to the logic circuit is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the power source voltage based on the operational state of the logic circuit, switching between 1V for fast computing mode and 0.5V for sleep mode. This dynamic voltage adjustment ensures the logic circuit receives appropriate voltage for its current operation, maintaining reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source voltage parameter is changed based on the operational mode of the logic circuit. A control circuit monitors the operational state and adjusts the power source voltage parameter accordingly - maintaining 1V for stable operation during computing and reducing to 0.5V during sleep mode. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize between reliability and energy consumption by matching voltage levels to operational requirements.
3Productivity
If complex voltage control circuits are added to achieve fast and stable power source voltage transitions, then the productivity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source voltage generation system is designed with multi-functionality. The first and second power source voltage generation circuits can serve dual purposes: they generate their respective voltages (1V and 0.5V) independently for different operational modes, and the power source voltage selection circuit can rapidly switch between them based on operational state. This universal design allows a single system to handle both fast computing and sleep modes efficiently without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode, thereby controlling complexity while achieving fast transitions.
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 configuration enables the coexistence of fast power source voltage transition and stable power supply, reducing power consumption and transition time between modes, thus addressing the stability and speed requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a charge control block that holds charges for controlling the voltage of the power source wiring
Implementation Method 2
a voltage supply unit that supplies the second power source voltage or a third power source voltage (0 V) lower than the second power source voltage, to the other end of the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a logic circuit having a plurality of operation modes, a power source circuit that generates a power source voltage to be supplied to the logic circuit, a power source wiring that couples the power source circuit and the logic circuit, and a charge control block that holds charges for controlling the voltage of the power source wiring. The power source circuit generates a first power source voltage for causing the logic circuit to operate in a computing mode and a second power source voltage for causing the logic circuit to operate in a sleep mode. The charge control block includes a capacitor, a first switch, and a voltage supply unit that supplies the second power source voltage or a third power source voltage lower than the second power source voltage, to the capacitor.