Semiconductor Voltage Control Circuit Reducing Terminal Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuit voltage control systems face challenges in reducing the number of terminals and wires, leading to increased cost and area requirements, especially when dynamically controlling voltage for multiple circuits with existing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit design that includes an output unit, an input unit with identical interfaces, and a voltage control circuit to generate and control the power source voltage based on input signals and operating information, allowing for dynamic voltage control with fewer terminals by using an analog signal feedback loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one power supplier controls voltages to multiple semiconductor integrated circuits, then cost is reduced, but the number of terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single power supplier that can control voltages to multiple semiconductor integrated circuits simultaneously. This multi-functional power supplier consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate power suppliers, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to dynamically control voltages for each circuit through a unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage control circuit as an intermediary component within each semiconductor integrated circuit. This control circuit receives control signals from the single power supplier and locally adjusts the voltage supplied to internal circuits, enabling precise voltage control without requiring multiple power suppliers. The intermediary control circuit translates centralized control signals into localized voltage adjustments, resolving the terminal complexity issue.
2Measurement precision
If multiple power suppliers are used for voltage control, then voltage control precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the voltage control circuit of each semiconductor integrated circuit. The control circuit monitors the actual voltage levels and adjusts its output accordingly to maintain precise voltage control. This feedback approach enables a single power supplier to achieve the voltage control precision that would traditionally require multiple power suppliers, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage control function by placing a dedicated voltage control circuit within each semiconductor integrated circuit. This segmentation allows each circuit to independently regulate its own voltage based on control signals from the single power supplier, achieving precise voltage control for each circuit without requiring separate power suppliers. The segmentation of control functions enables precise voltage management while consolidating power supply infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit, supplied with a power source voltage generated by a power supplier and having a level determined in accordance with an analog signal, includes: an output unit outputting, as the analog signal, an output voltage signal indicating the power source voltage; an input unit including an input interface identical in specifications to an output interface of the output unit, and receiving an input signal indicating a voltage and input from an outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit; and a voltage control circuit generating the output voltage signal, based on the input signal and operating voltage information indicating a voltage required for an operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit.