Semiconductor Temperature Control via Dynamic Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face increased temperature fluctuations due to reduced heat radiation and higher heat generation, leading to variations in performance as they shrink in size and increase in speed.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a temperature detection circuit, counter, and state machine that transitions power consumption modes based on detected temperature and temperature change rate, allowing for optimized performance stability by adjusting clock frequencies and power consumption modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If semiconductor devices are made smaller in size and higher in speed, then productivity and processing power are improved, but heat radiation property deteriorates and temperature fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power consumption mode switching based on real-time temperature detection. The state machine continuously monitors temperature changes and automatically transitions between power consumption modes (first mode with higher performance and second mode with lower power consumption) to maintain temperature within acceptable ranges while preserving productivity as much as possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where temperature detection circuit results are fed back to the state machine, which then adjusts power consumption modes accordingly. This closed-loop control system uses temperature change rate information to make informed decisions about mode transitions, ensuring temperature stability without completely sacrificing processing performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If power consumption mode is switched to reduce temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between power consumption modes based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature fluctuations exceed thresholds, it transitions to lower power consumption mode to stabilize temperature. When temperature is stable and within acceptable ranges, it can switch back to higher performance mode, thus dynamically balancing temperature stability and device performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (power consumption mode, clock frequency) based on temperature conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed state, the system achieves temperature stability while minimizing performance degradation - only reducing performance when absolutely necessary for thermal management
3Reliability
If temperature detection and control circuits are added, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection circuit is integrated into the existing semiconductor device structure, serving multiple functions: temperature monitoring, trigger for power mode switching, and performance optimization. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate dedicated temperature control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving reliable temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor device performs self-temperature-control through integrated detection circuits and state machines that automatically monitor temperature and adjust power consumption modes without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable temperature management
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 reduces performance variations caused by temperature fluctuations while maintaining a simple circuit configuration, effectively stabilizing the device's performance by adapting power consumption modes to temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detection circuit that detects temperature of the integrated circuit
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes: an integrated circuit that has a plurality of power consumption modes different in power consumption; a temperature detection circuit that detects temperature of the integrated circuit; a counter that measures time taken for temperature change in the integrated circuit; and a state machine that causes a state transition to take place in the integrated circuit based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit and the time measured by the counter, wherein the integrated circuit selects the power consumption mode based on the state subjected to transition by the state machine.