Shared Footer Circuit for Multi-Domain Virtual VSS Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple power domains face complexity in power routing and a weaker power network due to the need for multiple power rails and virtual power rails, which complicates power management and increases area requirements.
Innovation Solution
A shared footer circuit is introduced to control the connection between virtual VSS terminals and a ground terminal, allowing for independent power control of circuit blocks across different power domains, simplifying the power network and enhancing robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power rails and virtual power rails are used to support multiple power domains, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity and area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual power rails into a shared virtual power rail that serves multiple circuit blocks across different power domains. This consolidation reduces the number of separate power routing paths while maintaining the ability to independently control power delivery to each circuit block through individual footer circuits, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing power management flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The shared virtual power rail is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it provides power to multiple circuit blocks operating in different power domains, acts as a common reference for multiple footer circuits, and enables unified power management control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated virtual power rails for each circuit block, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power rails and virtual power rails are used to support multiple power domains, then power management flexibility is improved, but area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple virtual power rails into a single shared virtual power rail, the patent significantly reduces the area occupied by power network routing. The shared rail serves multiple circuit blocks that would otherwise require separate virtual power rails, thereby consolidating the power network footprint while maintaining the ability to independently manage power to each domain through individual footer circuits
3Reliability
If a shared footer circuit is used to control virtual VSS terminals, then power network robustness is improved, but control complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by providing individual footer circuits for each circuit block that connect to the shared virtual power rail. Each footer circuit can be independently controlled to connect or disconnect its associated circuit block from the shared virtual VSS terminal, allowing robust power network control without requiring a single complex centralized control mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first power rail for a first power domain and a second power rail for a second power domain. A first circuit block is connected to the first power rail and a second circuit block is connected to the second power rail. The first and second circuit blocks are both connected to a virtual VSS terminal. A footer circuit is connected between the virtual VSS terminal and a ground terminal, and the footer circuit is configured to selectively control a connection between the virtual VSS terminal and the ground terminal.