Voltage Detector Using Digital Logic for Power-Supply Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic detectors face challenges in accurately detecting input voltages outside the guaranteed operating range due to variations in delay time caused by power-supply voltage fluctuations, which are influenced by external factors such as process and temperature variations within semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A detector system comprising multiple first and second detection circuits, each with a logic circuit group, a detection rate calculation unit, and a comparison determination unit, which calculates and compares detection rates to determine if the input voltage is within or outside the guaranteed operating range, even when delay times vary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an analog circuit is used to detect power-supply droop, then the detection capability is provided, but the responsiveness is poor and fast power-supply droop cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog circuit (electronic amplification system) with a digital logic circuit system. The detection is achieved by monitoring setup/hold violation conditions in flip-flops through digital logic, rather than using analog amplification. This substitution enables fast response to power-supply droop while maintaining detection capability through digital voltage threshold monitoring.
2Speed
If the response speed of the amplifier is increased, then fast power-supply droop can be detected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the amplifier component entirely by using a digital logic-based detection system. The detection circuit monitors voltage thresholds using logic gates and flip-flop violation detection, which consumes significantly less power than an operational amplifier while providing adequate response speed for power-supply droop detection.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a logic circuit is used to detect power-supply droop, then power consumption is reduced, but variation exists in the detection voltage due to delay time variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent detection circuits (first detection circuits and second detection circuits) that each monitor specific voltage thresholds. By segmenting the detection into multiple parallel circuits with different threshold settings, the system achieves more precise and consistent detection across varying process and temperature conditions, reducing the impact of individual circuit delay variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where detection results from multiple circuits are aggregated and processed. The detection rate calculation unit analyzes outputs from multiple detection circuits to determine the final detection result, providing feedback that compensates for individual circuit variations and improves overall detection precision.
4Measurement precision
If multiple detection circuits are used to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal logic circuit blocks that can be replicated multiple times. Each detection circuit uses the same basic logic structure (flip-flops, logic gates, threshold monitoring), making the circuits interchangeable and easier to design. This universality reduces the complexity burden of having multiple detection circuits, as they follow a standardized template rather than requiring unique designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is to provide a detector capable of detecting an input voltage outside the guaranteed operating voltage range, even if the delay time caused in a logic element by a decrease in power-supply voltage varies due to an external factor. The detector includes a plurality of first detection circuits, a first detection rate calculation unit, a plurality of second detection circuits, a second detection rate calculation unit, and a comparison determination unit. Each of the plurality of first detection circuits detects whether or not an input voltage has a value outside a guaranteed operating range for a normal operation. The first detection rate calculation unit calculates a first detection rate of the detected number of the first detection circuits, and each of the plurality of second detection circuits detects whether or not a predetermined reference voltage is lower than a threshold voltage.