SoC Power Path Controller Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable devices, the convergence of diverse capabilities and functionalities leads to increased power consumption, and existing system-on-chip (SoC) designs struggle to efficiently manage power supply voltages for logic and memory circuits, resulting in inefficiencies and potential operational instability due to varying voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
The SoC incorporates power path controllers that dynamically switch between multiple power sources, comparing first power supply voltages with a fixed second power supply voltage to ensure memory cores receive a voltage level equal to or higher than the minimum required, reducing power consumption and passive elements while sharing power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate power sources are used for logic circuits and memory circuits, then power supply stability is improved, but device complexity and number of power supply lines increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply lines into a single shared power supply line that serves both logic circuits and memory circuits. Power path controllers are used to dynamically switch between different power sources (first power source for logic, second power source for memory) while sharing the same physical power supply infrastructure, thereby reducing the number of power supply lines while maintaining stable power delivery to different circuit blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power path switching capability where power path controllers can adaptively change power supply paths based on operating conditions. The system can dynamically select which power source supplies power to which circuit block, allowing flexible power management that maintains stability while reducing hardware complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage switching is implemented for memory circuits, then power consumption is reduced, but power supply control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power path controllers automatically monitor voltage levels and autonomously switch between power sources based on predefined voltage thresholds and operating conditions. The system performs self-service power management by comparing voltage levels and selecting appropriate power paths without requiring complex external control logic, thereby reducing power consumption while keeping control complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where power path controllers continuously monitor power supply voltages and adjust power paths accordingly. The controllers compare voltage levels from different power sources and automatically switch paths to maintain optimal power delivery, enabling dynamic power consumption reduction through voltage-level-dependent path selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate power sources are used for logic and memory, then power management flexibility is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes power supply paths universal by enabling a single power supply line to serve multiple circuit blocks (both logic and memory circuits) through dynamic switching. Power path controllers enable the same physical infrastructure to be flexibly allocated to different loads based on operational needs, achieving multi-functionality that reduces energy loss while maintaining management flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes power supply parameters (voltage levels, power paths) dynamically based on operational conditions. Power path controllers adjust which power source supplies which circuit block by changing electrical parameters in real-time, enabling flexible power management that minimizes energy loss by selecting optimal power paths based on voltage levels and load requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system on chip (SoC) includes a plurality of function circuits including a plurality of logic circuits and a plurality of function circuits each of which includes a logic circuit and a memory, and a plurality of power path controllers respectively coupled to a plurality of first power sources at first input terminals, commonly coupled to a second power source at second input terminals, and respectively coupled to the memories at output terminals. The logic circuits are respectively coupled to the first power sources, and configured to be supplied with a plurality of first power supply voltages from the first power sources, respectively. Each of the memories is configured to be selectively supplied, by a corresponding one of the power path controllers, with one of a corresponding one of the first power supply voltages from a corresponding one of the first power sources and a second power supply voltage from the second power source.