Semiconductor Voltage Supply Control via Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal voltage regulators in semiconductor components dissipate significant power loss, and switching between different voltage supply modes requires additional connections for mode-switching control signals.
Innovation Solution
A process and device that allow semiconductor components to switch between internal and external voltage supply modes without additional connections, using an embedded voltage regulator (EVR) or external voltage tracking device, with control signals generated from existing output connections to manage voltage levels and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an internal voltage regulator is used to generate core voltage from external voltage, then the semiconductor component can autonomously control its voltage supply, but a relatively large power loss is generated that must be dissipated via the semiconductor component housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage regulator functionality directly into the semiconductor component housing, merging the voltage regulation function with the component structure itself. This integration allows autonomous control while managing the thermal dissipation requirements within the housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between different voltage supply modes (internal EVR mode and external voltage tracking device mode) based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between autonomous control and power efficiency by selecting the appropriate supply mode for each operating condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mode-switching control signal is applied to an additional separate connection to switch between voltage supply modes, then the semiconductor component can flexibly switch between internal and external voltage supply, but additional connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing output connection (VREF) serve multiple functions: it provides the reference voltage for the voltage regulator and simultaneously serves as the input for the mode-switching control signal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate connections while maintaining flexible mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control signal input function with the existing reference voltage output connection. By combining these functions into a single connection, the patent reduces the number of required connections while maintaining the ability to switch between voltage supply modes.
3Ease of operation
If the reference voltage output connection (VREF) is used for emission of a control signal in the first voltage supply mode, then the semiconductor component can control external voltage tracking device, but the connection must serve dual purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functional switching of the VREF connection based on the operating mode. In the first voltage supply mode, the connection serves as a control signal input; in the second mode, it serves as a reference voltage output. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the single connection to fulfill multiple roles without permanent circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention provides a voltage supply control device, as well as a process for the control of the voltage supply of a semiconductor component, which can be operated in at least two different voltage supply modes. The process includes detecting the level of a voltage present at an output connection, which in one case is, a voltage output connection of the semiconductor component. The process also includes operating the semiconductor component in the first or second voltage supply mode, depending on the result of the detection.