Single Supply Source Powering Multiple Voltage Islands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems for electronic devices require multiple power sources to supply power to multiple voltage islands, leading to increased circuitry complexity, heat generation, and higher system costs due to additional circuitry and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a single supply source to power multiple voltage islands, with a power MOS transistor controlling the supply to each island, allowing for faster blocking and slower unblocking to reduce current demand and minimize under-voltage time, while using a low current voltage source initially and switching to a higher current source when available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power sources are used to supply power to multiple voltage islands, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources into a single power source that can dynamically supply power to multiple voltage islands. The single power source incorporates switching circuitry that enables it to replace multiple independent power sources, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to power multiple voltage islands reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple voltage islands that previously required different dedicated power sources. It includes switching mechanisms that allow it to adaptively supply power to different voltage islands based on their individual power requirements, making one power source universal for multiple purposes.
2Power
If multiple power sources are used to supply power to multiple voltage islands, then power supply capability is improved, but heat generation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple power sources into one, the patent reduces the total number of power conversion stages and associated circuitry. This merging eliminates redundant power conversion losses and reduces overall heat generation while maintaining the capability to supply sufficient power to all voltage islands through intelligent switching.
3Speed
If power is supplied to multiple voltage islands simultaneously, then system operational speed is improved, but current demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply where the single power source can adaptively switch and distribute power to different voltage islands based on real-time power requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high operational speed by ensuring power is available when needed, while managing current demand through intelligent power distribution rather than continuous high-current supply to all islands simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If a single supply source is used to power multiple voltage islands, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution control into manageable switching stages that can independently control power flow to different voltage islands. This segmentation of the control function, combined with the unified power source, simplifies the overall circuitry while maintaining ease of operation through modular control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power consumption and system costs by enabling efficient power distribution to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source, minimizing under-voltage time and current demand, and allowing for different voltage supplies if needed.
Implementation Method 1
A power MOS transistor may be used to block and unblock voltage to the secondary voltage islands
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include providing power to a first of a plurality of voltage islands, and individually controlling providing of power to each of a remaining portion of the plurality of voltage islands. For example, when an electronic system is first powered on, a low current voltage source may be used to supply power to a primary voltage island. As a higher current voltage source becomes available, power derived from the higher current voltage source may be provided to the primary voltage island and to secondary voltage islands. Power to each of the secondary voltage islands may be, for example, individually controlled via a power MOS transistor. The power MOS transistor may also be configured to allow a faster blocking time than unblocking time.