Universal Sensor Interface Circuit for Multi-Type Chip Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of integrated circuits leads to higher power consumption and localized hot spots, making it challenging to implement compact and efficient temperature sensing circuitry, particularly due to the need for different power supplies for analog and digital circuits and varying communication protocols for different types of temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A universal controller is designed to support multiple types of sensors, including ring oscillator-based and BJT-based sensors, with programmable communication protocol circuits and conversion circuits that convert sensor data into a generic format, allowing for simplified communication and control across different sensor types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of temperature sensors are implemented in an integrated circuit, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to different power supplies and communication protocols required for each sensor type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface circuit that can communicate with multiple types of temperature sensors (ring oscillator-based and BJT-based sensors) through a single standardized interface. The circuit includes a state machine that can be configured to support different sensor types, and a data format converter that adapts various sensor data formats to a unified format, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication interfaces for each sensor type and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface circuit acts as an intermediary between diverse temperature sensors and the core logic. It provides a standardized communication protocol and data format that mediates between the different sensor types (analog/digital, different voltage requirements) and the core processing logic, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of managing multiple different communication protocols.
2Productivity
If feature sizes are decreased to increase transistor density, then productivity is improved, but thermal output increases leading to localized hot spots that are difficult to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated circuit into multiple functional blocks, each with its own temperature sensor and interface circuit. This segmentation allows for localized temperature monitoring in high-density areas where hot spots are most likely to occur. Each sensor independently monitors its local region, enabling precise identification and management of thermal issues in specific high-productivity areas of the chip.
3Measurement precision
If different communication protocols are used for different sensor types, then measurement precision is improved by optimizing for each sensor type, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex configuration and control
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor interface circuit employs a dynamic state machine that can be programmatically configured to match the specific communication protocol requirements of different sensor types. This dynamic adaptability allows the interface to optimize communication for each sensor type (maintaining measurement precision) while presenting a uniform configuration interface to the user (improving ease of operation), as the complexity of protocol adaptation is handled automatically by the reconfigurable interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A universally-designed control circuit for communicating with multiple types of sensors is disclosed. For example, a control circuit may communicate with either ring oscillator-based sensors or BJT-based sensors based on programming implemented in the control circuit. The control circuit may include programmable communication protocol circuits for communicating with the sensors and conversion circuits that convert a particular type of sensor data packet into a generic format. The generic format sensor data may then be utilized by a power management unit or other device to control operation of an integrated circuit.