Shared Reference Voltage Channel for Compact IC Cell Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in reducing area and power consumption due to the use of independent power sources and selecting signals for individual components, leading to increased size and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The integrated circuit device incorporates a reference voltage channel shared by first and second cells, and selecting modules that receive input signals and selecting signals to generate output signals, with transistors configured to share reference voltages and selecting signals, reducing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent power sources and selecting signals are used for each component, then component independence and reliability are improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power sources and selecting signals into shared resources. Multiple cells share common power supply lines and select signals are generated by a single selecting signal providing module that serves all selecting modules, eliminating redundant independent components while maintaining functional independence through logical design
Solution Approach 2:
The selecting signal providing module serves universal functionality by generating select signals for multiple selecting modules simultaneously. The power supply network is designed as a universal infrastructure that distributes power to all cells, allowing single components to serve multiple functions and reducing overall component count
2Reliability
If independent power sources and selecting signals are used for each component, then component independence is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution into shared lines and merges the selecting signal generation into a single module, eliminating redundant power consumption from multiple independent sources and reducing total energy usage while preserving functional independence
Solution Approach 2:
The selecting signal providing module performs universal signal generation for all selecting modules, and the power supply network provides universal power distribution, reducing overall power consumption by eliminating redundant independent power sources and signal generators
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple selecting modules are used, then signal selection capability is improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selecting signal providing module is designed with universal functionality to generate select signals for multiple selecting modules simultaneously. This single module replaces what would otherwise require multiple independent signal generators, maintaining full signal selection capability across all modules while reducing the area occupied by signal generation circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit device includes a reference voltage channel, a first cell and a second cell. The reference voltage channel is configured to provide a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. The first cell is coupled to the reference voltage channel, and is configured to receive the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage. The second cell is coupled to the reference voltage channel, and is configured to receive the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage.