Voltage Sense Circuit for Safe I/O Regulator Power Sequencing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit devices, the core logic and I/O logic supply voltages often reach final levels at different times, leading to undefined control signals that can inadvertently configure voltage regulators to apply voltages outside the rated tolerance, causing overstressing and potential device failure.
Innovation Solution
A voltage supply sense circuit monitors the core logic supply voltage and generates bias signals to override the regulated voltages supplied to the I/O logic, ensuring they remain within rated tolerance levels, even when the core logic supply voltage is low, thereby preventing overstressing of circuit components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the I/O supply voltage reaches its final value before the core supply voltage during power up, then the I/O logic can operate at optimal voltage levels, but the control signals from core logic may be at undefined logic levels causing the regulator to be inadvertently configured in an unknown manner leading to overstressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the core supply voltage level before the I/O supply voltage is applied, and proactively configuring the regulator to a safe state in advance. The detection circuit monitors the core supply voltage and generates a control signal to set the regulator output to a predetermined safe voltage level before I/O logic operates, preventing any potential overstressing condition from occurring.
2Reliability
If external components are used to ensure proper power sequence, then the core logic supply voltage can reach final level before I/O logic supply voltage, but this adds components to the system bill of materials increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power sequence control function into the existing integrated circuit device by incorporating a detection circuit and control logic within the device itself. Instead of using separate external components to control power sequencing, the detection circuit is integrated alongside the regulator and logic circuits, eliminating the need for external control components and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable power sequence control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the integrated circuit device to autonomously monitor its own core supply voltage level and automatically configure the regulator accordingly. The detection circuit continuously monitors the core supply voltage and the control logic automatically adjusts the regulator output to appropriate levels without requiring external control signals or components, allowing the device to manage its own power-up sequence safely.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and circuits for ensuring one or more circuit components are not subjected to voltage levels above their rated voltage tolerance due to core logic and I/O logic supply voltages reaching final voltage levels at different times are provided. According to some embodiments, an internal voltage supply sense circuit may monitor a level of a voltage supply that powers core logic that generates control signals used to program a voltage regulator. In response to determining the core logic voltage supply is below a predetermined level, the sense circuit may generate one or more regulated voltage signals to override regulated voltage signals generated by the voltage regulator.