Semiconductor Shutoff Control for Power Domain Signal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor integrated circuits fail to prevent adverse effects on the power-OFF domain when the power-ON domain is shut off first, leading to unstable signals and abnormal voltage, which can cause operational failures and data damage.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor integrated circuit design that includes a power-ON domain and a power-OFF domain on the same chip, with a first signal shutoff unit and a shutoff control unit to manage signal input and output between the domains, and a second signal shutoff unit that enables or disables signal shutoff based on control signals to prevent unstable signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power-ON domain is shut off first, then the power-OFF domain can be independently controlled, but unstable signals and abnormal voltage are transmitted to the power-OFF domain causing operational failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidadverse effect on power-OFF domain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shutoff control unit as an intermediary between the power-ON domain and power-OFF domain. This unit monitors the power status and controls signal transmission through buffering and gating mechanisms, preventing unstable signals from the shutting-off power-ON domain from reaching the power-OFF domain while allowing normal signal transmission when both domains are operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutoff control unit performs preliminary actions by detecting power status changes before they cause harm. When the power-ON domain begins to shut off, the control unit proactively enables the buffer and shuts off signal transmission to the power-OFF domain, preventing the propagation of unstable signals before they can cause operational failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If signal transmission between domains is always enabled, then normal operation is maintained, but unstable signals are transmitted during power shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of signal transmission between domains. The shutoff control unit continuously monitors power status and dynamically adjusts the transmission state - enabling transmission when both domains are operational and disabling it when the power-ON domain shuts off. This dynamic adaptation ensures both ease of operation during normal conditions and reliability during power transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutoff control unit employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the power status of the power-ON domain and using this information to control the buffer and signal transmission. The feedback loop ensures that signal transmission is automatically adjusted based on the actual power state, preventing unstable signal propagation while maintaining normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent power sources are used for each domain, then flexible power control is achieved, but power timing mismatches cause unstable signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control flexibilityVSAvoidpower timing coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shutoff control unit serves as a mediator that coordinates between the independent power sources of the two domains. It monitors the power status of the power-ON domain and uses this information to control signal transmission to the power-OFF domain, ensuring proper timing coordination despite the independence of the power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutoff control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors power status, controls signal transmission, and prevents unstable signal propagation. This multi-functional unit handles the coordination complexity that arises from independent power sources, providing a universal solution that works regardless of the specific power timing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9673663B2Semiconductor integrated circuit with shutoff control for plural power domains

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A constantly power-ON domain and a standby-time power OFF domain are included on the same chip, and the constantly power-ON domain includes: a shutoff control circuit shutting off a signal inputted and outputted between the constantly power-ON domain and the standby-time power OFF domain when the first power source is ON and the second power source is OFF; and a shutoff control circuit outputting a first control signal indicating that shutoff of an emergent shutoff control circuit unit is to be enabled or disabled, the standby-time power OFF domain includes the emergent shutoff control circuit unit shutting off, based on the first control signal from the shutoff control circuit, the signal inputted between the emergent shutoff control circuit unit and the constantly power-ON domain.