SoC Voltage Regulator Bypass with Threshold-Safe External Power Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Systems on a chip (SoCs) face challenges in accurately and comprehensively testing components across different voltage domains during production, particularly when internal voltage regulators need to be bypassed for external power sourcing, which limits testing efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow a system on a chip (SoC) to switch between internal and external voltage sources by coupling power domains with an external voltage source, turning off internal voltage regulators, and powering all domains with the external source, using switches and a voltage detector to manage voltage levels and prevent resets during testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal voltage regulators are used to power all domains, then power distribution is controlled and stable, but testing accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to inability to bypass for external power sourcing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution stabilityVSAvoidtesting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between internal voltage regulator mode and external power source mode through control logic that monitors test mode signals and automatically reconfigures the power distribution network. This allows the system to adapt its power sourcing based on operational requirements, enabling both stable internal operation and accurate external testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including switch elements and control logic that mediate between the internal voltage regulator and external power sources. These intermediaries enable seamless transition and selective connection of power sources to different power domains, allowing testing accuracy to be improved without completely sacrificing internal power distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If voltage regulator is bypassed for external power sourcing, then testing efficiency and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases due to additional switches and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidswitches and control logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic and switch elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they enable bypass mode for efficient external power sourcing during testing, while also supporting normal internal voltage regulation operation. The same infrastructure facilitates both test modes and operational modes, reducing the need for completely separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes in the form of test mode signals and voltage level detection to trigger automatic reconfiguration. By monitoring voltage parameters and mode signals, the control logic dynamically adjusts the configuration of switches and connections, enabling testing efficiency improvements through parameter-driven automation rather than manual complex control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If external voltage source is coupled to power domain, then power sourcing flexibility improves, but risk of voltage exceeding threshold increases causing reset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower sourcing flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage threshold compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through voltage detection circuits that continuously monitor the voltage levels from external sources. When voltage exceeds the threshold level, the detection circuit generates a signal that triggers a reset or protective action, preventing damage to the voltage regulator and ensuring reliable operation. This feedback loop maintains voltage threshold compliance while preserving power sourcing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs beforehand cushioning by implementing protective reset logic that activates before damage can occur. The voltage detection circuit is configured to trigger a reset condition when external voltage approaches or exceeds the threshold, providing a safety margin that prevents unreliable operation or hardware damage while still allowing flexible external power sourcing within safe limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11550348B2Methods and devices for bypassing a voltage regulator

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

A method to bypass a voltage regulator of a system on a chip (SOC) comprising powering a first power domain using a voltage regulator; powering a second power domain using the voltage regulator; coupling a third power domain with an external voltage source; raising an external voltage supply from the external voltage source above a threshold level of the voltage regulator; coupling the first second power domains to the external voltage source; turning OFF the voltage regulator of the SOC after coupling the first power domain of the SOC and the second power domain of the SOC to the external voltage source; and powering the first power domain of the SOC, the second power domain of the SOC, and the third power domain of the SOC with the external voltage source, the external voltage source bypassing the voltage regulator.