Internal Voltage Switching Circuit for Frequency-Based Power Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face inefficiencies in power consumption and voltage regulation due to the lack of effective dynamic voltage frequency scaling techniques, leading to unstable internal voltage levels when switching between high and low operating frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with an internal voltage driving circuit and a driving control signal generation circuit that adjust the internal voltage to one of two power supply voltages based on the operating frequency, using switching control signals to efficiently manage power consumption and stabilize the internal voltage level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic voltage frequency scaling is implemented to reduce power consumption at low operating frequencies, then power efficiency improves, but voltage stability deteriorates during frequency transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging and pre-discharging capacitive loads before actual frequency transitions occur. The control circuit prepares the internal voltage nodes by charging them to appropriate voltage levels in advance of the frequency change, ensuring that when the transition occurs, the voltage levels are already stabilized and ready for the new operating frequency, thereby preventing voltage instability during transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control circuit that continuously monitors the internal voltage levels and adjusts the charging/discharging operations accordingly. The control circuit detects the current operating frequency and voltage state, and dynamically controls the switching of charging paths to maintain appropriate voltage levels, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual voltage conditions rather than relying on open-loop timing
2Speed
If high power supply voltage is applied to achieve high operating frequency, then processing speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply voltage to internal circuits variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the internal voltage level based on the current operating frequency - applying higher voltage during high-frequency operation to maintain performance, and reducing voltage during low-frequency operation to save power. This dynamic voltage adjustment is controlled by frequency-detecting circuitry that automatically modulates the voltage supply to match operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the voltage level parameter of the power supply based on operating conditions. The system changes the voltage parameter from a constant high level to a variable level that adapts to the operating frequency, thereby optimizing the balance between speed performance and power consumption across different operational states
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an internal voltage driving circuit configured to drive an internal voltage to one of first and second power supply voltages based on a driving control signal depending on an operating frequency. The electronic device includes a driving control signal generation circuit configured to generate the driving control signal that sets a level of the internal voltage, by detecting the level of the internal voltage.