Voltage-Tracking Oscillator Clocks for Low-Power Logic Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low or ultra-low power environments, existing systems face inefficiencies in controlling logic clock frequency due to variable power supplies, requiring complex circuitry and high energy consumption for frequency and voltage control, which is not straightforward and often results in inefficient power use.
Innovation Solution
A system that modulates oscillator frequency based on supply voltage using a logic unit with self-adjusting clocks, optimizing device parameters by treating supply voltage as an independent variable, thereby simplifying control and reducing energy consumption by eliminating the need for complex frequency look-up tables and state machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex control circuitry (state machine or processor) is used to manage voltage and frequency independently, then frequency settings can be supported by corresponding voltages, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator automatically adjusts its frequency based on the supplied voltage without requiring external control circuitry. The oscillator inherently tracks the voltage-frequency relationship, eliminating the need for state machines or processors to manage frequency-voltage matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the complex control circuitry (state machine or processor) from the system. By extracting this unnecessary component, the design achieves frequency-voltage matching through the oscillator's inherent characteristics rather than through active control.
2Reliability
If complex control circuitry (state machine or processor) is used to determine voltage-frequency relationship, then frequency settings can be supported by corresponding voltages, but device complexity increases due to required circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator inherently understands and adapts to the voltage-frequency relationship without requiring external intelligence. The device serves itself by automatically adjusting frequency based on voltage input, eliminating complex control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the state machine or processor from the design. This elimination of complex control circuitry simplifies the overall device while maintaining reliable frequency-voltage matching through the oscillator's natural behavior.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency look-up table is built to support voltage-frequency relationship, then frequencies can be selected based on voltage, but manufacturing complexity increases due to complex timing analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for manually created frequency look-up tables. By eliminating this manufacturing complexity, the design achieves voltage-frequency adaptability through the oscillator's inherent tracking capability rather than through pre-computed tables requiring complex timing analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator automatically adapts to voltage changes without requiring pre-programmed look-up tables. This self-adjusting behavior eliminates the manufacturing complexity associated with creating and verifying frequency-voltage mapping tables.
4Use of energy by moving object
If supply voltage is reduced without reducing clock frequency, then power consumption decreases, but timing requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator dynamically adjusts its frequency based on the supplied voltage. As voltage changes, the frequency automatically tracks to maintain appropriate timing relationships, enabling the system to operate reliably across varying power conditions without fixed frequency constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for modulating logic clock oscillator frequency based on voltage supply. The system comprises a logic unit having a logic operation and a device to produce self-adjusting clocks to match the logic operation. The device is configured to use supply voltage as an independent variable to optimize device parameters for voltage variations. The invention is also directed to a design structure on which a circuit resides.