Voltage Scaling System with Pull-Down Resistor for Fast Downscaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage scaling systems take longer to downscale supply voltages compared to upscaling, leading to unpredictable stabilization times and increased system latency, particularly when decreasing supply voltages require halting operations until stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A voltage scaling system that uses a switch and a pull-down resistor in parallel with a decoupling capacitor to quickly downscale the supply voltage by discharging current when instructed, and omits the resistor during upscaling, allowing for rapid voltage adjustments without damaging the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a voltage regulator is used to downscale supply voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the stabilization time increases and system latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage downscaling process is segmented into two distinct phases: a rapid initial downscaling phase using the pull-down resistor to achieve quick stabilization, followed by a normal regulation phase using the voltage regulator to maintain the target voltage. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both fast response and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-down resistor performs a preliminary action by rapidly establishing the target voltage level before the voltage regulator completes its stabilization process. This preliminary voltage establishment reduces the overall stabilization time while the regulator subsequently maintains the voltage with minimal power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If a voltage regulator is used to downscale supply voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but system latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage scaling operation is segmented into a fast initial phase using the pull-down resistor and a subsequent normal phase using the voltage regulator. This segmentation enables the system to quickly respond to voltage scaling requests, reducing latency, while still achieving energy-efficient operation through the regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-down resistor performs a preliminary voltage adjustment that significantly reduces system latency by quickly establishing the target voltage. This preliminary action allows the system to resume operations faster, while the voltage regulator subsequently maintains the voltage with minimal power consumption.
3Loss of time
If a pull-down resistor is used for quick downscaling, then stabilization time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-down resistor is integrated into the existing voltage regulator circuitry, serving both as a fast downscaling mechanism and as part of the overall voltage regulation system. This multi-functionality approach minimizes additional complexity while achieving rapid stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-down resistor functionality is merged with the voltage regulator circuit, combining the fast response capability of the resistor with the precise regulation capability of the regulator. This integration reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate independent systems.
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 system reduces latency by quickly stabilizing supply voltages during downscaling, ensuring efficient voltage transitions without harming the system, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The pull-down resistor quickly downscales the supply voltage to the target supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
A voltage scaling system can upscale or downscale a supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for downscaling voltage comprising: a voltage regulator; a voltage reference register configured to provide a voltage reference value; a voltage comparator configured to output a logical one if a supply voltage of the voltage regulator is greater than the voltage reference value, wherein a first input of the voltage comparator is coupled to output of the voltage regulator and a second input of the voltage comparator is coupled to output of the voltage reference register; an AND gate, where a first input of the AND gate is coupled to output of the voltage comparator and a second input of the AND gate is coupled to a voltage reference ready signal; a switch configured to close based on output of logical one from the AND gate; and a pull-down resistor configured to couple to the output of the voltage regulator only if the switch is closed.