Thermal Sensor Control for Semiconductor Power and Real-Time Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuit devices face challenges in minimizing power consumption while ensuring real-time processing and adapting to varying ambient temperatures, as existing solutions either suspend processor operation or fail to consider temperature variations in use environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating thermal sensors that detect temperature and generate interrupt signals to control arithmetic block operations, allowing the controller to resume operation based on temperature conditions, thus minimizing power consumption and enabling real-time processing across a range of temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the operation of the processor is suspended when temperature exceeds a certain point, then power consumption is reduced and temperature control is achieved, but real-time processing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operation is made dynamic by allowing it to suspend and resume based on temperature conditions. The control unit monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts operation state (suspended or resumed) to balance power consumption and real-time processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensing mechanism provides feedback to the control unit, which then determines whether to suspend or resume processor operation. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time processing to continue when temperature permits while preventing thermorunaway
2Reliability
If the processor operation is suspended to control temperature, then thermorunaway is avoided, but the acceptance of real-time processing during suspension is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor operation based on real-time temperature monitoring and real-time processing requirements. The control unit can resume operation when temperature conditions allow, adapting to both thermal constraints and processing demands
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from temperature sensors and real-time processing requirements to make intelligent decisions about resuming operation, ensuring both temperature control and real-time processing acceptance
3Productivity
If line width is reduced to improve integration degree, then more systems can be integrated on one chip, but power consumption increases due to scaling down of power voltage and increase in leakage current
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operates in periodic cycles of suspension and resumption based on temperature conditions. This periodic operation allows high integration degree while managing power consumption by suspending operation when temperature rises due to leakage current
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature feedback from sensors enables the control unit to monitor power consumption effects and adjust operation accordingly, allowing high integration while preventing thermorunaway caused by leakage current
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
The solution enables semiconductor integrated circuit devices to maintain maximum performance while ensuring operation within temperature limits, expanding the range of ambient temperatures for real-time operation and reducing power consumption through intelligent temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
thermal sensors which can detect the temperature
Implementation Method 2
compare the detection results with a plurality of reference values
Implementation Method 3
a control block which can control the operations of arithmetic blocks based on the output signals of the above thermal sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit device which consumes less power and enables real-time processing. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes thermal sensors which detect temperature and determine whether the detection result exceeds reference values and output the result, and a control block capable of controlling the operations of arithmetic blocks based on the output signals of the thermal sensors. The control block returns to an operation state from a suspended state with an interrupt signal based on the output signals of the thermal sensors and determines the operation conditions of the arithmetic blocks to ensure that the temperature conditions of the arithmetic blocks are satisfied. Thereby, power consumption is reduced and real-time processing efficiency is improved.