Voltage Regulator Current Indicator for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits, particularly in non-volatile memory systems, face challenges in maintaining power consumption within limits and preventing overheating, which can lead to thermal events or power-saving modes due to varying power demands and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator provides power within a specified range and an indicator of electrical current, allowing circuits to adjust their activity in real-time to stay within power limits, and a temperature transducer helps identify patterns predictive of overheating, enabling proactive measures to prevent temperature thresholds from being exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power consumption is increased to meet varying power demands, then system performance is improved, but temperature increases leading to thermal events or power-saving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively identifying patterns of electrical current consumption that are predictive of temperature exceeding thresholds before it actually happens. The temperature transducer and controller work together to detect early signs of overheating and take preventive measures, such as adjusting power consumption, before thermal events occur, thus maintaining system performance while preventing temperature issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring electrical current consumption through the temperature transducer and using this information to dynamically adjust power consumption. The controller receives real-time data about current consumption patterns and adjusts system operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances performance with temperature control
2Temperature
If power consumption is reduced to prevent overheating, then temperature is controlled, but system performance decreases due to unnecessary power reduction
Solution Approach 1:
By proactively identifying predictive patterns of current consumption before temperature thresholds are exceeded, the system can make precise, targeted power adjustments only when and where needed, rather than applying blanket power reductions that would unnecessarily degrade performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables targeted power management by identifying specific circuits or components that are contributing to temperature issues. Instead of reducing power system-wide, the controller can adjust power consumption locally in affected areas, maintaining overall system performance while controlling temperature
3Measurement precision
If real-time current monitoring is implemented, then power consumption can be precisely controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature transducer serves multiple functions: it monitors electrical current consumption, identifies predictive patterns of overheating, and provides feedback to the controller for power management decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining precise measurement capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a circuit and a voltage regulator having a first output terminal that is coupled to provide electrical power to the circuit. The voltage regulator is configured to provide the electrical power in a supply voltage range. The voltage regulator has a second output terminal configured to provide an indicator of electrical current provided by the first output terminal for control of the circuit.