Single Supply IC Power Management with Local Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC designs face challenges in dynamically allocating power resources among logic blocks due to the need for multiple power rails, which can be costly and inflexible, limiting the ability to adjust power consumption based on varying demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management system with sensors and power regulators on each IC die that can adjust the power supply to logic blocks based on sensed variations, allowing for dynamic power allocation by modifying the operating frequency and voltage, using a single external power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power rails are used to supply power to various components on the die, then independent voltage supplies can be provided for each logic block, but the cost becomes prohibitive and the system lacks dynamic power allocation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent power rails into a single power supply source. Instead of having separate power rails for each logic block, a single power supply provides power to all blocks, which then use local voltage regulators to generate their required voltages. This reduces the number of power rails from multiple to one, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply function into two levels: a single external power supply provides bulk power, and local voltage regulators in each logic block independently regulate the voltage to required levels. This segmentation allows dynamic power allocation at the logic block level while maintaining a simple single power rail architecture, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single power supply is used to supply power to all logic blocks, then the cost is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but the ability to dynamically allocate power resources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through voltage regulators in each logic block that can independently adjust their voltage output based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment capability is enabled by sensors that detect operational states and feed back to the regulators, allowing power allocation to be dynamically optimized even with a single power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor the operational state of each logic block and provide information to voltage regulators. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust power allocation based on actual needs, maintaining adaptability while using a single power supply, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to operate various logic blocks of an integrated circuit (IC) at independent voltages are described. In one embodiment, supply of power to one or more domains in an IC is adjusted based on an indication that power consumption by components of the corresponding domain is to be modified. Other embodiments are also described.