Switchable Power Domain Buffer Routing for IC Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuits with multiple power domains, signal transmission between disjoint power domains often requires buffering through non-switchable power domains, leading to increased area and power consumption, as buffers in non-switchable domains cannot be switched off and require additional circuitry to adjust power levels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a graph of points and edges on switchable power domains to select a route for signal routing based on distance and design violation values, positioning buffers in switchable power domains along this route, and placing wires to connect the start and end nodes, allowing buffers to be switched off and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buffers are placed in non-switchable power domains for signal transmission between disjoint power domains, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power domain switchable. Instead of using buffers in non-switchable power domains that remain permanently active, the invention routes signals through switchable power domains that can be dynamically turned on only when needed for signal transmission. This allows the buffer circuitry to be activated only during operation and deactivated when idle, transforming a static power consumption problem into a dynamic one that can be optimized over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic action by enabling the power domain to switch between active and inactive states based on signal transmission requirements. The power domain is activated periodically or on-demand when signal routing requires it, and deactivated when not needed. This periodic activation pattern allows the same reliability to be achieved with significantly reduced average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Reliability
If buffers are placed in non-switchable power domains, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuitry needed to adjust power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power adjustment functionality from the buffer circuitry itself and relocates it to the power domain control mechanism. Instead of having complex power level adjustment circuits embedded in each buffer, the invention uses a centralized or distributed power management system that controls the power domain's voltage levels globally. This separation removes the complexity from the signal transmission path while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable power domain serves multiple functions: it acts as both the signal transmission medium and the power control mechanism. The same power domain infrastructure that provides signal routing also handles power level adjustment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power adjustment circuitry in each buffer. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If buffers are positioned in switchable power domains along the selected route, then power consumption is reduced by switching off buffers, but the route selection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-organizing the power domain switchable states based on the selected signal transmission route. Before signal transmission begins, the system determines the optimal power domain configuration and pre-charges or pre-discharges power domains as needed. This advance preparation simplifies the actual signal transmission process and reduces the computational complexity of route selection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power management system that mediates between the route selection algorithm and the physical buffer placement. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of coordinating power domain activation with buffer positioning, allowing the route selection to focus on signal transmission optimization while the intermediary manages the power consumption aspects. This separation reduces the direct complexity burden on the route selection process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to buffering signals between disjointed power domains with similar power profiles in an integrated circuit. According to some aspects, embodiments relate to a method in which an electronic design automation (EDA) tool displays a schematic including a plurality of first power domains having a first power profile and a plurality of second power domains having a second power profile. The EDA tool generates graph including a plurality of points and a plurality of edges connecting the points, where the points are located on the plurality of second power domains. The EDA tool selects one route from a plurality of routes from a start node on the graph to an end node on the graph and determines a number of buffers located on the route based on associated distance values and a design violation values.