Switchable Power Supply Circuit for Memory Voltage Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
System on a chip (SoC) devices require multiple power supply voltages to operate effectively, but existing technologies lack efficient methods to transition between these voltages, limiting the performance of memory arrays by restricting the power supply voltage to a single level.
Innovation Solution
A power supply switch and system configured to transition the power supply voltage between a first and second voltage level, utilizing a voltage generator, switch circuit, and confirmation circuit to compare and switch between power supply voltages, ensuring that memory arrays can operate at higher voltages for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single power supply voltage level is used, then the system is simpler to control, but memory array performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply voltage is made dynamically switchable between first and second voltage levels based on operational requirements. The power supply switch transitions between voltage levels to optimize memory array performance during active operations while maintaining simpler voltage supply during idle or low-performance requirements, thus improving productivity without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply voltage parameter is changed between two discrete levels (first voltage level and second voltage level) to optimize memory array performance. By switching the voltage parameter based on operational mode, the system achieves high performance when needed while avoiding the continuous complexity of variable voltage regulation, resolving the contradiction between performance and control simplicity.
2Speed
If power supply voltage is kept at a single level, then power supply control is simpler, but memory read and write operations are slower
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply voltage is dynamically adjusted between first and second voltage levels based on memory operation requirements. During read and write operations, the second voltage level is applied to increase circuit switching speed and improve memory operation velocity. The dynamic switching capability allows the system to achieve high speed performance only when needed, offsetting the added complexity of the voltage switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply switch is configured to transition to the second voltage level in advance before memory read or write operations begin, ensuring that circuits are already operating at optimal speed when data access is initiated. This preliminary voltage adjustment prepares the system for high-speed operation, reducing latency and improving overall memory access speed.
3Productivity
If voltage switching is implemented, then memory performance can be optimized, but the power supply system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into distinct voltage generation paths (first voltage level and second voltage level) with a switching mechanism that selects between them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each voltage path while using the switch to achieve performance optimization only when needed, reducing the overall complexity compared to a continuously variable power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply switch serves multiple functions: it selects between voltage levels, controls power distribution to different memory banks, and can coordinate with bank select signals to enable selective activation of memory regions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing performance optimization alongside power management and operational control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a power supply switch that includes a voltage generator, a switch circuit, and a confirmation circuit. The voltage generator is configured to compare a first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage and to output the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage as a bulk voltage (Vbulk). The switch circuit includes one or more transistors and is configured to (i) bias bulk terminals of the one or more transistors with the Vbulk and (ii) output either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage as a voltage output signal. The confirmation circuit is configured to output a confirmation signal that indicates whether the voltage output signal transitioned from the first power supply voltage to the second power supply voltage.