Temperature Sensing Circuit for Adaptive Semiconductor Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face inefficiencies due to temperature-dependent characteristics, leading to unnecessary power consumption and performance degradation, as they are often designed for worst-case temperature scenarios, resulting in wasted power and reduced battery life in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensing circuit with variable resistors and counters that adjust performance parameters based on temperature ranges, allowing the semiconductor device to optimize operations across a wide temperature range without excessive power usage or performance loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the semiconductor device is designed for worst-case temperature corners (high voltage, low temperature and low voltage, high temperature), then reliability is ensured across all temperature ranges, but power consumption increases unnecessarily at typical operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of device parameters based on temperature sensing. The system transitions from static worst-case design to dynamic adaptation by monitoring temperature and adjusting voltage, frequency, and refresh rates accordingly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through continuous adaptation while eliminating unnecessary power consumption at non-extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (voltage, frequency, refresh rate) based on temperature conditions. By sensing temperature and adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system ensures specification compliance when needed while optimizing power consumption during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power efficiency.
2Reliability
If the refresh operation frequency is increased to meet high-temperature specifications, then reliability is maintained across temperature ranges, but power consumption increases at low temperatures where it is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts refresh operation frequency based on temperature sensing. At low temperatures where charge degradation is slow, the refresh rate is reduced unnecessarily high values. At high temperatures where charge degradation is faster, the refresh rate increases to maintain specification compliance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining refresh specifications and minimizing power consumption.
3Reliability
If performance parameters are optimized for extreme temperature corners, then device functionality is ensured across all temperatures, but device complexity increases due to temperature sensing and adjustment circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature operating range into distinct zones (e.g., low temperature, nominal temperature, high temperature) and applies different optimization strategies to each segment. This allows the device to maintain functionality across all temperatures while avoiding the complexity of continuous fine-tuned adjustment, as each segment can use predetermined optimal parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing circuit automatically detects temperature conditions and triggers appropriate parameter adjustments without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains device functionality across temperature ranges while minimizing the complexity of control logic, as the system autonomously adapts to environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If voltage is increased to meet specifications at all temperatures, then reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily at typical operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling based on temperature sensing. Instead of maintaining high voltage across all temperature ranges, the system adjusts voltage levels according to actual operating conditions. At typical operating temperatures, voltage is reduced to optimal levels, while at extreme temperatures voltage is increased to ensure specification compliance. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and minimizing power supply energy consumption.
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 solution enables semiconductor devices to maintain functionality and efficiency across varying temperatures without the need for excessive power consumption or performance margins, thereby extending battery life and optimizing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensing circuit including at least one variable resistor that sets a temperature range
Implementation Method 2
A specific resistance value of the at least one variable resistor can change in response to a temperature to change a value of the temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A device can include a temperature circuit that can selectively set one of a plurality of temperature ranges. Each temperature range can have a temperature range upper limit value and a temperature range lower limit value. The temperature circuit can be disabled in response to a detection of a transition in a power supply voltage. In some embodiments, the temperature circuit can also be enabled a predetermined time period after the detection of the transition in the power supply voltage.