SoC Power Supply Feedback Loop Eliminates PWM Buses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices require costly dedicated interfaces and introduce time delays due to the use of pulse-width-modulated signals and specific buses, which are not suitable for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS).
Innovation Solution
A power supply method for SoC devices that generates a negative feedback voltage internally, eliminating the need for pulse-width-modulated signals and specific buses, using conventional regulators and a feedback control loop to achieve regulated power supply voltage without open-loop operation during power-up, thereby simplifying fabrication and reducing time delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse-width-modulated signals and specific buses (SPI or I2C) are used for power management control, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control interface (SPI or I2C bus) and dedicated control circuits from the system-on-chip architecture. Instead of using these complex interfaces, the invention implements a simplified control mechanism where the regulator directly receives control signals from the system-on-chip through a basic control interface, eliminating the need for dedicated buses and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining voltage regulation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the control interface universal by using a standard, multi-functional control bus that can handle both data communication and power management control signals. This eliminates the need for dedicated SPI or I2C buses specifically for power management, as the existing control infrastructure can serve multiple purposes including voltage regulation control, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing precision
2Measurement precision
If pulse-width-modulated signals with external low-pass filters are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but response time for dynamic voltage adaptation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external low-pass filter from the signal path by directly connecting the regulator output to the system-on-chip power supply network. This eliminates the time delay introduced by the filter's RC time constant while maintaining voltage regulation through direct feedback control, thereby significantly reducing the response time for dynamic voltage adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the regulator continuously ready to adjust voltage levels based on real-time feedback from the system-on-chip. The control mechanism is pre-configured to respond immediately to voltage changes without requiring signal modulation and filtering delays, enabling the system to proactively maintain optimal voltage levels during dynamic operations
3Measurement precision
If dedicated control interfaces and specific buses are implemented, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by making the control interface universal and multi-functional. The existing control bus infrastructure is utilized for both data communication and power management control, eliminating the need for dedicated SPI or I2C buses. This approach maintains voltage regulation precision while significantly reducing the number of required components and interconnections, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power management control function with the existing control infrastructure of the system-on-chip. By combining voltage regulation control with the general-purpose control bus and integrating the regulator closely with the system-on-chip architecture, the invention reduces the total component count and interconnection requirements, leading to simplified manufacturing processes and lower production costs
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 allows for efficient power management with the same performance as programmable regulators, reducing costs and eliminating the need for external low-pass filters and specific buses, while ensuring fast adaptation of power supply voltages during dynamic changes.
Implementation Method 1
a regulated power supply voltage obtained from a feedback control loop receiving a main power supply voltage and a negative feedback voltage, this negative feedback voltage being generated inside the system-on-a-chip starting from an effective supply voltage of the module and from a setpoint signal
Data Source
AI summary
A module incorporated within a system-on-a-chip operating in a steady-state power supply phase is powered by supplying to the module a regulated power supply voltage obtained from a feedback control loop. The receives a main power supply voltage and a negative feedback voltage. The negative feedback voltage is generated inside the system-on-a-chip starting from an effective supply voltage of the module and from a setpoint signal corresponding to a desired regulated power supply voltage.