Voltage Scaling Control for Error-Free Memory Bus Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face malfunctions due to changes in operation voltage, and existing control devices are inadequate in managing voltage variations efficiently, leading to potential errors in memory operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a master circuit, a slave circuit, and a power-scaling control circuit that adjusts the output voltage of a voltage generator by sending a voltage-scaling command, setting control signals, and managing system bus signals to suspend or resume operations, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the operation voltage is changed, then power consumption is reduced, but electronic elements may malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by suspending memory access operations before changing the operation voltage. The master circuit receives a voltage scaling command and suspends accessing the memory device before the voltage is actually changed, preventing malfunctions during the transition. After voltage stabilization, normal operations resume, ensuring reliable operation across voltage changes while enabling power consumption reduction.
2Loss of time
If voltage scaling is performed during active operations, then response time is reduced, but data errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary suspension of memory access operations before initiating voltage scaling. The master circuit detects the voltage scaling command and suspends ongoing read/write operations to the memory device before the voltage changes. This preliminary action prevents data errors during the transition while minimizing the time voltage scaling is delayed, as operations resume immediately after voltage stabilization.
3Reliability
If memory access is suspended frequently, then data integrity is maintained, but system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively suspending only the specific memory access operations that would be affected by voltage scaling, while allowing other system operations to continue uninterrupted. The master circuit identifies and suspends only the relevant memory device accesses, maintaining data integrity for those operations while minimizing the impact on overall system productivity through targeted rather than blanket suspension.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for adjusting the output voltage of a voltage generator, wherein the control device includes a master circuit, a slave circuit, and a power-scaling control circuit, is provided. The master circuit is coupled to a system bus. The slave circuit is coupled to the system bus. The power-scaling control circuit is coupled between the master circuit and the slave circuit. In response to the master circuit sending a voltage-scaling command, the power-scaling control circuit sets a control signal at a suspension level so that the slave circuit sets a specific signal transmitted by the system bus at a wait level. In response to the specific signal being at the wait level, the master circuit stops accessing the first specific device of the slave circuit. In response to the control signal being at the suspension level, the power-scaling control circuit adjusts the output voltage.