TWI387871B - Adaptive power control apparatus with delay estimation scheme - Google Patents

Adaptive power control apparatus with delay estimation scheme Download PDF

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TWI387871B
TWI387871B TW98108462A TW98108462A TWI387871B TW I387871 B TWI387871 B TW I387871B TW 98108462 A TW98108462 A TW 98108462A TW 98108462 A TW98108462 A TW 98108462A TW I387871 B TWI387871 B TW I387871B
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voltage
circuit
power gate
power
gate network
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TW201035738A (en
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Wei Chih Hsieh
Wei Hwang
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Univ Nat Chiao Tung
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具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置Adaptive power control device with circuit delay evaluation mechanism

本發明為一種電路延遲評估及適應性功率控制裝置,尤其是關於一種具環境適應性之動態功率控制的裝置。The present invention relates to a circuit delay evaluation and adaptive power control apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for environmentally adaptive dynamic power control.

近年來,由於半導體製程技術的突飛猛進,電晶體密度跟系統複雜度快速成長,使控制並降低功率消耗之設計已為不容忽視之課題。目前,已有一些降低功率消耗的設計,茲舉例說明如下:In recent years, due to the rapid advancement of semiconductor process technology, the density of transistors and the complexity of the system have grown rapidly, and the design of controlling and reducing power consumption has become a subject that cannot be ignored. At present, there are some designs that reduce power consumption, as illustrated below:

美國專利第7276932號揭露一種利用虛擬功率閘胞元(VPC,virtual power gating cell)之架構,其中該虛擬功率閘胞元係由用來緩衝控制信號之控制電路及包含二個或更多個NFETs與PFETs之功率閘區塊(PGB,power gating block)所構成。然而,該功率閘胞元只當作單純的開關,亦即,只在所搭載之電路與電源之間進行開與關(連接或是斷開)兩種狀態,其除了在關閉的狀態下可節省靜態功率外,並無動態功率控制之能力。U.S. Patent No. 7,276,932 discloses an architecture utilizing a virtual power gating cell (VPC), wherein the virtual power gating cell is controlled by a control circuit for buffering control signals and includes two or more NFETs. It is composed of a power gating block (PGB) of PFETs. However, the power gate cell is only used as a simple switch, that is, it can be turned on and off (connected or disconnected) only between the mounted circuit and the power source, except that it can be turned off. In addition to saving static power, there is no dynamic power control capability.

又例如,M. Nakai(M. Nakai,S. Akui,K,Seno,T. Meguro,T. Seki,T. Kondo,A. Hashiguchi,H. Kawahara,K. Kumano,and M. Shimura,Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Management for a Low-Power Embedded Microprocessor,IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits,vol. 40,no. 1,pp. 28-35,Jan. 2005)等人所提出之一種利用動態電壓調整(DVS)與頻率調整之技術,作為有效降低功率消耗之方法。此技術係利用一種結合閘極延遲、電阻電容交互連接延遲及上升/下降延遲之延遲合成器,以達到較佳的關鍵路徑(critical path)之模擬(emulation)。惟,此習知技術原理上也是採用延遲匹配電路,因此同樣有前述缺失。此外,M. Nakai在實現適應性或者動態電壓調變時,需要一最差情況關鍵路徑延遲匹配電路(worst case critical path delay matching circuit),然而,最差情況實際上卻鮮少發生,因而大為低估降低功率的可能性,因此對於現今之高速電路來說並不適用。Also for example, M. Nakai (M. Nakai, S. Akui, K, Seno, T. Meguro, T. Seki, T. Kondo, A. Hashiguchi, H. Kawahara, K. Kumano, and M. Shimura, Dynamic Voltage And Frequency Management for a Low-Power Embedded Microprocessor, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 28-35, Jan. 2005) et al. The technology of frequency adjustment is used as a method to effectively reduce power consumption. This technique utilizes a delay synthesizer that combines gate delay, resistor-capacitor interconnect delay, and rise/fall delay to achieve a better critical path emulation. However, this conventional technique also uses a delay matching circuit in principle, and thus has the aforementioned drawbacks. In addition, M. Nakai needs a worst case critical path delay matching circuit when implementing adaptive or dynamic voltage modulation. However, the worst case actually occurs rarely, so it is large. To underestimate the possibility of reducing power, it is not suitable for today's high-speed circuits.

配合既有技術之功率閘等設置僅能單純作為開關之用,只在少數的狀態下能夠真正節省功率,導致未能有效降低功率消耗及達成適應性功率控制之要求,本發明提出一新的判斷電路運算狀態的機制,藉由監控功率閘之虛擬電壓源(virtual-VDD,VDDV)的電壓而判定電路運算之結束時機,而可以獲得電路之延遲資訊,而且,在透過所提之電路運算結束時機的判斷方式,應用於功率控制,使所結合之電路具有主動且具有環境變異適應效能的功率控制,解決既有技術之技術問題。The power brakes and other settings of the prior art can only be used as switches, and can really save power in only a few states, resulting in failure to effectively reduce power consumption and achieve adaptive power control requirements. The present invention proposes a new The mechanism for judging the operation state of the circuit, by monitoring the voltage of the virtual voltage source (virtual-VDD, VDDV) of the power gate to determine the end timing of the circuit operation, and obtaining the delay information of the circuit, and operating through the proposed circuit The judgment method of the end timing is applied to the power control, so that the combined circuit has the power control with active and environmental variation adaptability, and solves the technical problem of the prior art.

配合前述之技術問題,本發明提供一種具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,其包含:一多模式功率閘網路、一電壓感測器、一可變門檻比較器、一冗餘區間偵測電路以及一雙向位移暫存器,該多模式功率閘網路包含複數個並聯之電晶體,當該多模式功率閘網路連接於一電源與一電路模組之間時,各電晶體為P型電晶體且該多模式功率閘網路與該電路模組之連接節點視為一虛擬電壓源,當該多模式功率閘網路連接於一接地點與該電路模組之間時,各電晶體為N型電晶體且該多模式功率閘網路與該電路模組之間的節點視為一虛擬接地點,其中:In conjunction with the foregoing technical problems, the present invention provides an adaptive power control apparatus having a circuit delay evaluation mechanism, including: a multi-mode power gate network, a voltage sensor, a variable threshold comparator, and a redundancy interval. a detection circuit and a bidirectional displacement register, the multimode power gate network comprising a plurality of parallel transistors, when the multimode power gate network is connected between a power supply and a circuit module, each transistor a P-type transistor and the connection node of the multi-mode power gate network and the circuit module is regarded as a virtual voltage source. When the multi-mode power gate network is connected between a grounding point and the circuit module, Each transistor is an N-type transistor and the node between the multi-mode power gate network and the circuit module is regarded as a virtual ground point, wherein:

該電壓感測器之輸入端連接於該虛擬電壓源或該虛擬接地點,其尋找該虛擬電壓源之一最低電壓(VL)或尋找該虛擬接地點之一最高電壓(VH);The input end of the voltage sensor is connected to the virtual voltage source or the virtual ground point, and it searches for a lowest voltage (VL) of the virtual voltage source or finds a highest voltage (VH) of the virtual ground point;

該可變門檻比較器與該電壓感測器之輸出端電性連接,其比較該虛擬電壓源之一瞬間電壓(VV)與該最低電壓(VL)是否滿足一第一特定關係而輸出一第一比較結果狀態,或者該可變門檻比較器比較該虛擬接地點之瞬間電壓(VG)與該最高電壓(VH)是否滿足一第二特定關係而輸出一第二比較結果狀態;The variable threshold comparator is electrically connected to the output end of the voltage sensor, and compares whether the instantaneous voltage (VV) of the virtual voltage source and the minimum voltage (VL) satisfy a first specific relationship and outputs a first Comparing the result state, or the variable threshold comparator comparing the instantaneous voltage (VG) of the virtual ground point with the highest voltage (VH) to satisfy a second specific relationship and outputting a second comparison result state;

該冗餘區間偵測電路之輸入端連接於該可變門檻比較器,依據該可變門檻比較器之該第一或第二比較結果狀態及一時脈邊緣以偵測一時脈週期內是否存在一冗餘區間;An input end of the redundant interval detecting circuit is connected to the variable threshold comparator, and according to the first or second comparison result state of the variable threshold comparator and a clock edge to detect whether a clock period exists Redundant interval

該雙向位移暫存器之輸入端與該冗餘區間偵測電路電性連接,其依據該冗餘區間之是否存在而產生位移,使該雙向位移暫存器之複數個控制訊號的輸出狀態改變;以及The input end of the bidirectional displacement register is electrically connected to the redundant interval detecting circuit, and the displacement is generated according to whether the redundant interval exists, so that the output states of the plurality of control signals of the bidirectional displacement register are changed. ;as well as

該多模式功率閘網路與該雙向位移暫存器之各控制訊號連接,各電晶體分別受該雙向位移暫存器之各控制控制訊號之狀態開啟或關閉,使該多模式功率閘網路依據冗餘區間之存在狀況而改變該電源輸出至該電路模組之功率。The multi-mode power gate network is connected to each control signal of the bidirectional displacement register, and each transistor is turned on or off by the state of each control control signal of the bidirectional displacement register, so that the multi-mode power gate network The power output to the circuit module is changed according to the existence of the redundant interval.

其中,該第一特定關係滿足下列公式:Wherein the first specific relationship satisfies the following formula:

其中,VDD為該電源提供之電壓;Vth為該多模式功率閘網路及該電路模組內之P型電晶體之一臨界電壓(threshold voltage);VD0為P型電晶體於VGS=VDD時之一汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);α為一速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);λ為P型電晶體通道長度調變參數(channel length modulation parameter);及VDS0是一預設臨界電壓值。 Wherein VDD is the voltage supplied by the power source; Vth is a threshold voltage of the multi-mode power gate network and the P-type transistor in the circuit module; VD0 is a P-type transistor when VGS=VDD One of the drain saturation voltages; α is a velocity saturation index; λ is a P-type transistor channel length modulation parameter; and VDS0 is a predetermined threshold voltage value.

其中,該可變門檻比較器為一變型之史密特觸發電路。Wherein, the variable threshold comparator is a modified Schmitt trigger circuit.

其中,該電壓感測器包含以二極體連接方式串接之二電晶體的感測電路。Wherein, the voltage sensor comprises a sensing circuit of two transistors connected in series by a diode connection.

其中,該VDS0為100mV時,該第一特定關係則滿足下列二者公式之一:VV 0.5685+0.4568.VL ;或VV 0.0902+1.7137.VL -0.8109.VL 2Wherein, when the VDS0 is 100 mV, the first specific relationship satisfies one of the following two formulas: VV 0.5685+0.4568. VL ; or VV 0.0902+1.7137. VL -0.8109. VL 2 .

其中,該第二特定關係滿足下列公式: 其中, VDD為該電源提供之電壓;Vth為該多模式功率閘網路及該電路模組內之N型電晶體之一臨界電壓(threshold voltage);VD0為N型電晶體於VGS=VDD時之一汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);α為一速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);λ為N型電晶體通道長度調變參數(channel length modulation parameter);及VDS0是一預設臨界電壓值。Wherein the second specific relationship satisfies the following formula: Wherein, VDD is the voltage supplied by the power source; Vth is a threshold voltage of the multi-mode power gate network and the N-type transistor in the circuit module; and VD0 is an N-type transistor when VGS=VDD One of the drain saturation voltages; α is a velocity saturation index; λ is an N-type transistor channel length modulation parameter; and VDS0 is a predetermined threshold voltage value.

其中,該VDS0為100mV時,該第二特定關係則滿足下列二者公式之一:VG -0.01729+0.4424.VH ;或VG 0.0045+0.1810.VH +0.5810.VH 2 ,電壓單位為伏特(V)。Wherein, when the VDS0 is 100 mV, the second specific relationship satisfies one of the following two formulas: VG -0.01729+0.4424. VH ; or VG 0.0045+0.1810. VH +0.5810. VH 2 , the voltage unit is volts (V).

藉此,本發明具有如下優點:Thereby, the present invention has the following advantages:

1.動態監控該虛擬電壓源,藉以判斷該電路模組之延遲及冗餘區間之存在結果,並據此控制輸出至該電路模組之功率,達到降低功率消耗的技術效果。1. Dynamically monitoring the virtual voltage source to determine the delay of the circuit module and the existence of the redundancy interval, and thereby controlling the power output to the circuit module to achieve the technical effect of reducing power consumption.

2.本發明所提的方法,與環境參數關連性低,因此,具有很高的環境適應性。2. The method of the present invention has low correlation with environmental parameters and, therefore, has high environmental adaptability.

3.本發明透過判斷冗餘狀況,可以讓電路模組盡量用掉所有可用的時脈長度,因此,可使本發明運用於各種不同的電路模組時,在各種工作頻率下,具有最低的功率消耗,達到最佳的能源效益。3. The present invention allows the circuit module to use all available clock lengths as much as possible by judging the redundancy condition. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to various circuit modules, it has the lowest at various operating frequencies. Power consumption for optimal energy efficiency.

首先,為了說明本發明所提出之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置之一電路延遲評估機制(delay estimation scheme),請參考第一圖,其顯示一個16位元乘法器在工作中由電源端所汲取之一汲取電流(drained current)。該乘法器之狀態可分為一穩定態(stable)以及一切換態(switching)。在穩定態中,該汲取電流僅包含微量的漏電流,但在切換態中,該乘法器由電源端汲取大量的該汲取電流以執行乘法工作。由上述可知,透過判斷該汲取電流的大小變化,可判斷該乘法器所處的工作狀態,而當乘法器之工作狀態得以區分之後,即可獲取該乘法器於工作時的一延遲時間評估(delay estimation)。First, in order to explain one of the circuit delay evaluation schemes of the adaptive power control device with the circuit delay evaluation mechanism proposed by the present invention, please refer to the first figure, which shows that a 16-bit multiplier is in operation. One of the power terminals draws a drained current. The state of the multiplier can be divided into a stable state and a switching state. In the steady state, the current draw contains only a small amount of leakage current, but in the switching state, the multiplier draws a large amount of the current drawn from the power supply terminal to perform the multiplication operation. It can be seen from the above that by determining the change in the magnitude of the current drawn, the working state of the multiplier can be determined, and when the working state of the multiplier is distinguished, a delay time evaluation of the multiplier during operation can be obtained ( Delay estimation).

為了更進一步將前述的範例應用於其他電路及便於解說前述之延遲時間評估方法實際應用於其他電路模組,請參考第二圖及第三圖,以一個最為簡單的CMOS反向器(inverter)作為說明範例:In order to further apply the foregoing examples to other circuits and to facilitate the explanation that the aforementioned delay time evaluation method is actually applied to other circuit modules, please refer to the second and third figures, with one of the simplest CMOS inverters. As an illustrative example:

如第二圖所示,該反向器連接至一理想的電源(VDD),當該反向器之一輸入端(input node,IN)由高準位切換至低準位時,該反向器之P型金氧半電晶體(PMOS,P1)導通而由該電源(VDD)擷取電流對該反向器之一輸出端(output node,OUT)充電,而使該輸出端切換至高準位,然而,習用在輸出端之高、低準位之間是否完成切換的判斷,通常採以一固定型判斷準則(static Criterion determination),即設定該輸出端之電壓必須達到電源準位(即電源VDD所提供之電壓準位)或為達到電源準位之90%等固定之電源準位。As shown in the second figure, the inverter is connected to an ideal power supply (VDD). When one of the inverters (input node, IN) is switched from the high level to the low level, the reverse The P-type MOS transistor (PMOS, P1) is turned on and the current (VDD) draws current to charge one of the inverters (output node, OUT), and the output is switched to the high-precision Bit, however, the decision to use whether to complete the switch between the high and low levels of the output is usually based on a static Criterion determination, that is, the voltage at the output must be set to the power level (ie, The voltage level provided by the power supply VDD) or a fixed power supply level such as 90% of the power supply level.

而所謂的「延遲時間」乃定義為電路模組或數位電路中,自輸入端的切換開始,到輸出端切換完成的時間。因此前例的反向器中,其延遲時間為自輸入端切換開始至輸出端達到90% VDD之時間。依此定義可知,此延遲時間受到前述切換的判斷準則所影響。The so-called "delay time" is defined as the time from the start of the switching of the input terminal to the completion of the switching of the output terminal in the circuit module or the digital circuit. Therefore, in the inverter of the previous example, the delay time is from the start of the switching of the input terminal to the time when the output reaches 90% VDD. According to this definition, this delay time is affected by the criterion of the aforementioned handover.

而若該反向器與電源(VDD)之間串接一個功率閘元件(power gating device,PG),以作為後續電路元件與該電源之間的切換開關,該功率閘元件為與電路模組中採用之P型電晶體相同之元件。該功率閘元件(PG)可依據設計需求採欲N型或P型電晶體,若採用N型電晶體作為該功率閘元件(PG)時,則為N型電晶體之該功率閘元件(PG)連接於該電路模組(此為反向器)與一接地點(GND)之間。And if a power gating device (PG) is connected in series between the inverter and the power source (VDD), as a switching switch between the subsequent circuit component and the power source, the power gate component is a circuit module The same components used in P-type transistors. The power gate element (PG) can adopt an N-type or P-type transistor according to design requirements. If an N-type transistor is used as the power gate element (PG), the power gate element of the N-type transistor (PG) ) is connected between the circuit module (this is an inverter) and a ground point (GND).

如第三圖所示,假設該功率閘元件(PG)與該反向器之P型金氧半電晶體(P1)之串接節點為一虛擬電壓源(Virtual-VDD,VDDV),該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)在該反向器之高低準位切換過程之中,呈現先降後升(fall-then-rise)之趨勢,使該功率閘元件(PG)提供給反向器之電流也隨之改變,即該汲取電流(drained current)在該功率閘元件(PG)存在的狀況下,比該反向器直接連接至理想電源之電流相對較小,主要是因為該功率閘元件(PG)增加了阻抗所導致。因此,輸出端(OUT)之切換速率(switching slope)則比直接連接至理想電源之反向器相對較慢,換言之,該輸出端(OUT)的電壓提高到理想電源(VDD)之90%而成為高準位之所需延遲時間(delay time),最糟將可能是沒有連接功率閘元件(PG)時的兩倍以上,因此,單純用判斷輸出端(OUT)電壓是否達到特定準位(例如達到90% VDD)對於目前高速切換需求之電路已經不再適用,因為該反向器之狀態其實早已經切換完成,多餘的延遲時間只是浪費在將輸出端(OUT)之電壓準位及該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓提升到電源(VDD)所提供之電壓準位。因此,為了避免前述固定型判斷準則之問題,本發明提出一個電路工作中之延遲時間評估機制。沿用前述第三圖為例,若假設反向器完成狀態切換之判斷為一B點,其中B點之選擇係藉由該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)之汲極源極壓降(VDS)等於一個預設的臨界電壓(VDS0)。此預設臨界電壓可以經驗法則選一相對小的值,如100mV,此汲極源極壓降係由該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)在切換完成後,用來持續將輸出端(OUT)之電壓準位提升到電源(VDD)所提供之電壓準位。在B點時,該功率閘元件(PG)之電流(drain current)等於該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)之電流(drain current)。As shown in the third figure, it is assumed that the power gate element (PG) and the P-type MOS transistor (P1) of the inverter are connected to each other as a virtual voltage source (Virtual-VDD, VDDV). The voltage source (VDDV) exhibits a fall-then-rise trend during the switching between the high and low levels of the inverter, so that the power supplied by the power gate element (PG) to the inverter is also The change is that the drained current is relatively small in the presence of the power gate element (PG) than the inverter directly connected to the ideal power source, mainly because of the power gate element (PG). ) increased impedance caused by. Therefore, the switching slope of the output (OUT) is relatively slower than the inverter directly connected to the ideal power supply. In other words, the voltage at the output (OUT) is increased to 90% of the ideal power supply (VDD). The delay time required to become a high level, the worst may be more than twice the connection of the power gate component (PG), so simply determine whether the output (OUT) voltage reaches a certain level ( For example, up to 90% VDD) is no longer suitable for the current high-speed switching requirements, because the state of the inverter has already been switched, the excess delay time is only wasted on the voltage level of the output (OUT) and The voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) is boosted to the voltage level provided by the power supply (VDD). Therefore, in order to avoid the problem of the aforementioned fixed type judgment criterion, the present invention proposes a delay time evaluation mechanism in the operation of the circuit. Taking the foregoing third figure as an example, if it is assumed that the inverter completes the state switching, it is determined as a point B, wherein the point B is selected by the drain source voltage drop of the P-type MOS transistor (P1) ( VDS) is equal to a preset threshold voltage (VDS0). The preset threshold voltage can be selected by a rule of thumb to a relatively small value, such as 100 mV. The drain source voltage drop is used by the P-type MOS transistor (P1) to continue the output terminal after the switching is completed ( The voltage level of OUT) is raised to the voltage level provided by the power supply (VDD). At point B, the drain current of the power gate element (PG) is equal to the drain current of the P-type MOS transistor (P1).

然而如前所述,該反向器電壓準位超過B點之後仍會持續汲取電流以使該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓到達最高之電壓準位(VDD)為止。而隨著該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓上升,該功率閘元件(PG)之汲極源極壓降(VDS)隨著該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓上升而下降,使更小的電流通過該功率閘元件(PG)。換言之,因為該功率閘元件(PG)在B點之電流(drain current)等於該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)之電流(drain current),通過B點之後,流過該功率閘元件(PG)之電流持續減少。因此,當觀測到該反向器之P型金氧半電晶體(P1)在B點的電流大於(或等於)該功率閘元件(PG)通過B點之後遞減之電流(drain current)之時,可稱該反向器已經完成狀態切換工作(其中該P型金氧半電晶體(P1),該功率閘元件(PG)均在線性區(linear region)工作)。據此,當採用過去文獻之alpha power model來描述電晶體的電壓與電流行為後,前述的不等關係可以以下列式(1)描述之:However, as described above, after the inverter voltage level exceeds point B, the current is continuously drawn to bring the voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) to the highest voltage level (VDD). As the voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) rises, the drain-source voltage drop (VDS) of the power gate element (PG) decreases as the voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) rises, making it smaller. Current is passed through the power gate element (PG). In other words, because the power of the power gate element (PG) at point B is equal to the current of the P-type MOS transistor (P1), after passing through point B, the power gate element flows through ( The current of PG) continues to decrease. Therefore, when it is observed that the current of the P-type MOS transistor (P1) of the inverter at point B is greater than (or equal to) the drain current of the power gate element (PG) after passing point B, It can be said that the inverter has completed state switching operation (wherein the P-type MOS transistor (P1), the power gate element (PG) operates in a linear region). Accordingly, when the alpha power model of the past literature is used to describe the voltage and current behavior of the transistor, the aforementioned inequality relationship can be described by the following formula (1):

其中:among them:

ID0C為前述反向器電路(特指其P型金氧半電晶體(P1))在VGS=VDS=VDD之狀況下之電流(drain current),其與電晶體的尺寸參數有關(例如:電晶體之通道的寬度與長度);ID0C is the current of the above-mentioned inverter circuit (specifically, its P-type gold-oxygen semiconductor (P1)) under the condition of VGS=VDS=VDD, which is related to the size parameter of the transistor (for example: electricity) The width and length of the channel of the crystal);

ID0PG則為前述功率閘元件(PG)在VGS=VDS=VDD之狀況下之電流(drain current);ID0PG is the current of the aforementioned power gate element (PG) under the condition of VGS=VDS=VDD;

Vth是電晶體之臨界電壓(threshold voltage);Vth is the threshold voltage of the transistor;

VV是該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)隨時間變化之瞬間電壓(transient value);及VV is the transient value of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) as a function of time;

VDS0是前述之預設臨界電壓值。VDS0 is the aforementioned preset threshold voltage value.

前述與電晶體尺寸有關之參數的關連性則可由第三圖中之A點獲取。該A點,其對應該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓最低點(VL),代表通過該功率閘元件(PG)之電流最大,且亦為該反向器進行切換的時刻;其中,該電壓最低點(VL)並非不變常值,其隨該功率閘元件(PG)之電晶體尺寸參數、該功率閘元件(PG)串接之電路模組(例如本範例之反向器)、電路操作條件..等之不同而改變。而在A點時,通過該功率閘元件(PG)與該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)之電流(drain current)相同,且該P型金氧半電晶體(P1)、該功率閘元件(PG)分別在飽和區(saturation region)及線性區(linear region)工作。因此,在A點相等的電流可表示為式(2):The correlation of the aforementioned parameters related to the transistor size can be obtained from point A in the third figure. The point A, which corresponds to the lowest voltage point (VL) of the virtual voltage source (VDDV), represents the time at which the current through the power gate element (PG) is maximum, and is also the time at which the inverter is switched; wherein the voltage The lowest point (VL) is not constant, with the transistor size parameter of the power gate element (PG), the circuit module of the power gate element (PG) connected in series (for example, the inverter of this example), and the circuit Operating conditions: etc. vary. At point A, the power gate element (PG) is the same as the drain current of the P-type MOS transistor (P1), and the P-type MOS transistor (P1), the power gate The elements (PG) operate in a saturation region and a linear region, respectively. Therefore, the current equal to point A can be expressed as equation (2):

其中:among them:

VD0為VGS=VDD時,本實施例中所用P型電晶體的汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);When VD0 is VGS=VDD, the drain saturation voltage of the P-type transistor used in this embodiment;

α為速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);α is a velocity saturation index;

λ為電晶體通道長度調變參數(Channel length modulation parameter);λ is a channel length modulation parameter;

進一步,將式(1)之ID0C以公式(2)替代,式(1)可改寫為下列式(3):Further, the ID0C of the formula (1) is replaced by the formula (2), and the formula (1) can be rewritten as the following formula (3):

...(3)...(3)

由上列式(3)可以看出,與電晶體之尺寸參數相依(有關)的ID0C、ID0PG等參數在前述的簡化基礎下被消去,代表前述的延遲時間評估機制與該功率閘元件(PG)或電路元件之尺寸參數無關,前述的延遲時間評估機制只與VV、VL有關,即與該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之動態響應行為有關而已,因此,本發明所指的判斷機制具有可容忍環境變異的效能。It can be seen from the above formula (3) that parameters such as ID0C and ID0PG which are dependent on (related to) the size parameter of the transistor are eliminated under the aforementioned simplified basis, and represent the aforementioned delay time evaluation mechanism and the power gate element (PG). Regardless of the size parameter of the circuit component, the aforementioned delay time evaluation mechanism is only related to VV, VL, that is, related to the dynamic response behavior of the virtual voltage source (VDDV), and therefore, the judgment mechanism referred to in the present invention is tolerable. The effectiveness of environmental variability.

若當功率閘元件(PG)為採用N型電晶體時,則稱該N型電晶體與接地點(GND)之間的節點稱為一虛擬接地點(Virtual GND,VGND),與前述虛擬電壓點(VDDV)不同的是,該虛擬接地點(VGND)在該反向器高底準位切換過程中呈現先升後降的趨勢,也就是說,在該虛擬接地點之電壓會有電壓最高點(VH);而前述依據P型電晶體所推導的公式,於替換N型/P型之特性公式及所採取製程之N型/P型特性參數後,可直接沿用前列所提之概念;舉例而言,相對於上列式(3),若該功率閘元件(PG)為採用N型電晶體,該式(3)可改為下式(3.1):If the power gate element (PG) is an N-type transistor, the node between the N-type transistor and the ground point (GND) is called a virtual ground point (Virtual GND, VGND), and the aforementioned dummy voltage. The difference between the point (VDDV) is that the virtual ground point (VGND) has a tendency to rise first and then fall during the high-level level switching of the inverter, that is, the voltage at the virtual ground point has the highest voltage. Point (VH); and the above formula derived from the P-type transistor, after replacing the N-type/P-type characteristic formula and the N-type/P-type characteristic parameters of the adopted process, the concept mentioned in the foregoing can be directly used; For example, with respect to the above formula (3), if the power gate element (PG) is an N-type transistor, the equation (3) can be changed to the following equation (3.1):

其中:among them:

VDD為該電源提供之電壓;VDD is the voltage supplied by the power supply;

VG是該虛擬接地點(VGND)隨時間變化之瞬間電壓(transient value);VG is the transient value of the virtual ground point (VGND) as a function of time;

Vth為該多模式功率閘網路及該電路模組內之N型電晶體之一臨界電壓(threshold voltage);Vth is a threshold voltage of the multi-mode power gate network and the N-type transistor in the circuit module;

VD0為N型電晶體於VGS=VDD時之一汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);VD0 is one of the drain saturation voltage of the N-type transistor when VGS=VDD;

α為一速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);α is a velocity saturation index;

λ為N型電晶體通道長度調變參數(channel length modulation parameter);及λ is an N-type transistor channel length modulation parameter; and

VDS0是一預設臨界電壓值。VDS0 is a preset threshold voltage value.

請參考第四圖,其為第三圖中參數VL、VV所繪製的圖形解,式(3)的兩邊分別作為兩個獨立的多項式,而VL、VV分別為兩個多項式之變數。該式(3)之左、右半邊式子可分別繪成第四圖之圓形標號線(,f(VL))及矩形標號線(,f(VV)),其中,式(3)之VDS0於此設定為100mV。透過以參數VL作為自變數,參數VV之最小值可在滿足式(3)之條件下於第四圖之中取得,重複改變VL之數值,可以獲得較為完整的參數VL對VV之關係數值組,藉由VL、VV之關係數值組可以以一直線求律法(linear fitted),得到下列不等之式(4):Please refer to the fourth figure, which is a graphical solution drawn by the parameters VL and VV in the third figure. The two sides of the equation (3) are respectively two independent polynomials, and VL and VV are variables of two polynomials respectively. The left and right half of the formula (3) can be respectively drawn into the circular line of the fourth figure ( , f(VL)) and rectangular label lines ( , f(VV)), wherein the VDS0 of the formula (3) is set to 100 mV here. By using the parameter VL as the self-variable, the minimum value of the parameter VV can be obtained in the fourth figure under the condition that the formula (3) is satisfied, and the value of the VL is repeatedly changed to obtain a relatively complete relationship between the parameter VL and the VV. By using the linear value of the VL, VV relationship value group, the following inequality (4) is obtained:

VV 0.5685+0.4568‧VL ...(4) VV 0.5685+0.4568‧ VL ...(4)

或者,也可以用二次方程之曲線求律法(quadratic fitted)得到下列不等之式(5):Alternatively, the quadratic equation can be used to obtain the following inequality (5):

VV 0.0902+1.7137‧VL -0.8109‧VL 2 ...(5) VV 0.0902+1.7137‧ VL -0.8109‧ VL 2 ...(5)

前述式(4)、(5)之單位為伏特,其描述參數、VL、VV之間的不等關係分別描繪於第五圖之中。The units of the above formulas (4) and (5) are volts, and the unequal relationships between the description parameters, VL, and VV are respectively depicted in the fifth figure.

循前述之式(4)、(5)之類似推導過程,當功率閘元件(PG)為採用N型電晶體,相對於(4)、(5)而用於N型電晶體之不等式分如下列公式:Following the similar derivation process of equations (4) and (5) above, when the power gate element (PG) is an N-type transistor, the inequalities for the N-type transistor relative to (4) and (5) are as follows. The following formula:

VG -0.01729+0.4424‧VH ...(4.1) VG -0.01729+0.4424‧ VH ...(4.1)

VG 0.0045+0.1810‧VH +0.5810‧VH 2 ...(4.2) VG 0.0045+0.1810‧ VH +0.5810‧ VH 2 ...(4.2)

其中,式(4.1)、(4.2)之各電壓單位為伏特(V)。Wherein, the voltage units of the formulas (4.1) and (4.2) are volts (V).

綜言前述內容及式(3)所揭露的延遲時間評估機制之步驟可包含:The steps of the foregoing and the delay time evaluation mechanism disclosed in the formula (3) may include:

(i)開始/重置;(i) start/reset;

(ii)擷取虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓最低點VL;(ii) drawing the lowest voltage VL of the virtual voltage source (VDDV);

(iii)監控虛擬電壓源(VDDV)與電壓最低點VL滿足式(4)或(5)之數值;及(iii) monitoring the virtual voltage source (VDDV) and the voltage minimum point VL to satisfy the value of equation (4) or (5);

(iv)完成延遲時間評估。(iv) Completion of the delay time assessment.

綜言之,該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓最低點VL可以在電路(於此為該反向器)之狀態切換過程被找到,而該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之電壓經過電壓最低點之後必須持續上升及至滿足上述之式(4)或(5)以判定該電路之切換狀態已經完成。In summary, the voltage lowest point VL of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) can be found in the state switching process of the circuit (here, the inverter), and the voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) passes through the lowest voltage point. It must be continuously raised to satisfy the above equation (4) or (5) to determine that the switching state of the circuit has been completed.

請參考第六圖,當在理想電源與一16位元乘法器(16-bit Multiplier)連接一個該功率閘元件(PG)時,也可以依據前述的判斷機制取得該乘法器(11)之延遲時間評估,然而,經過研究測試結果顯示,採用本發明所提之延遲評估機制與實際電路之延遲約有10%的差異,因此,必須加入約10%~15%之餘裕(margin)於最終延遲評估結果。Referring to the sixth figure, when the power supply is connected to a 16-bit multiplier (PG), the delay of the multiplier (11) can also be obtained according to the foregoing judgment mechanism. Time evaluation, however, after the research test results show that the delay evaluation mechanism proposed by the present invention is about 10% different from the delay of the actual circuit, therefore, it is necessary to add a margin of about 10% to 15% to the final delay. evaluation result.

利用前述所提的延遲評估機制,本發明之一適應性功率控制(adaptive poeer control,APC)裝置之電路方塊圖可如第七圖所示,該適應性功率控制裝置包含一多模式功率閘網路(multi-mode power gating network,21)、一電壓感測器(voltage sensor,23)、一可變門檻比較器(variable threshold comparator,24)、一冗餘區間偵測電路(Slack Detection,25)以及一雙向位移暫存器(Bi-directional shift Register,27),其中,本實施例之適應性功率控制裝置可應用於各種不同的電路模組,如前述的乘法器、反向器等各種邏輯電路,本實施例之該適應性功率控制裝置係連接一互補式金氧半之電路模組(CMOS circuit,30)。Using the foregoing delay evaluation mechanism, a circuit block diagram of an adaptive power control (APC) device of the present invention can be as shown in the seventh figure, and the adaptive power control device includes a multi-mode power gate network. Multi-mode power gating network (21), a voltage sensor (23), a variable threshold comparator (24), and a redundant interval detection circuit (Slack Detection, 25) And a bidirectional displacement register (27), wherein the adaptive power control device of the embodiment can be applied to various circuit modules, such as the aforementioned multipliers, inverters, and the like. The logic circuit, the adaptive power control device of the embodiment is connected to a complementary CMOS circuit (30).

該多模式功率閘網路(21)之輸出、輸入端分別電性連接該電路模組(30)及該雙向位移暫存器(27),該電壓感測器(23)連接於該多模式功率閘網路(21)及該電路模組(30)連接之一個該虛擬電壓源(VDDV),該電壓感測器(23)之輸出端連接該可變門檻比較器(24),而該可變門檻比較器(24)、該冗餘區間偵測器(25)、該雙向位移感測器(27)、該多模式功率閘網路(21)則依序串接。The output and input ends of the multi-mode power gate network (21) are electrically connected to the circuit module (30) and the bidirectional displacement register (27), and the voltage sensor (23) is connected to the multi-mode The power gate network (21) and the circuit module (30) are connected to one of the virtual voltage sources (VDDV), and the output of the voltage sensor (23) is connected to the variable threshold comparator (24), and the The variable threshold comparator (24), the redundant interval detector (25), the bidirectional displacement sensor (27), and the multi-mode power gate network (21) are serially connected in sequence.

請參考第八圖,本實施例之該多模式功率閘網路(21)包含相互並聯且串接於該理想電源(VDD)及該電路模組(30)之間的複數個P型金氧半電晶體(PMOS),其中,各P型金氧半電晶體(PMOS)之閘極連接至由該雙向位移感測器(27)所儲存之控制訊號(Ctrl4~0)。依據前述之說明可知,加入功率閘元件(PG)則會讓所連接之電路模組的虛擬電壓源產生電壓下降的情形,因此,所加入的功率閘元件(PG)之尺寸參數越小,則電壓下降的狀況越大,這樣的電壓下降狀況可以被視為輸入該電路模組之電源雜訊(supply noise)。而此一電壓下降,則會反應在電路模組之延遲,因此,該多模式功率閘網路(21)可以就由選擇性驅動該控制訊號(Ctrl4~0)而開啟該多模式功率閘網路(21)之P型金氧半電晶體(PMOS),進一步影響或控制電路模組之延遲。Referring to FIG. 8 , the multi-mode power gate network (21) of the embodiment includes a plurality of P-type gold oxides connected in parallel and serially connected between the ideal power source (VDD) and the circuit module (30). A semi-transistor (PMOS) in which the gate of each P-type MOS transistor is connected to a control signal (Ctrl4~0) stored by the bidirectional displacement sensor (27). According to the foregoing description, the addition of the power gate element (PG) causes a voltage drop of the virtual voltage source of the connected circuit module, and therefore, the smaller the size parameter of the added power gate element (PG), The greater the voltage drop condition, such a voltage drop condition can be considered as the supply noise input to the circuit module. When the voltage drops, the delay in the circuit module is reflected. Therefore, the multi-mode power gate network (21) can selectively turn on the multi-mode power gate network by selectively driving the control signal (Ctrl4~0). The P-type metal oxide semi-transistor (PMOS) of the circuit (21) further affects or controls the delay of the circuit module.

進一步地,該多模式功率閘網路(21)之各功率閘元件(PG)可以具有不同的通道尺寸參數,電源經過該多模式功率閘網路(21)而輸出至該電路模組(30)之功率,而可藉由開關各功率閘元件(PG)而產生多種不同的組合。Further, each power gate element (PG) of the multi-mode power gate network (21) may have different channel size parameters, and the power source is output to the circuit module through the multi-mode power gate network (21). The power can be generated by switching various power gate elements (PG) to produce a variety of different combinations.

請參考第九圖,本實施例之該電壓感測器(23)包含以二極體連接方式(diode-connected)連接之二電晶體(MP1、MP2),其中,在該電路模組之工作切換過程中,與該電晶體(MP2)連接之一VL節點可以取得該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之最低電壓。Referring to the ninth figure, the voltage sensor (23) of the embodiment comprises two transistors (MP1, MP2) connected in a diode-connected manner, wherein the circuit module works. During the switching process, one of the VL nodes connected to the transistor (MP2) can obtain the lowest voltage of the virtual voltage source (VDDV).

請參考第十圖,本實施例之該可變門檻比較器(24)為一變型之史密特觸發電路(modified Schmitt Trigger),該史密特觸發電路由一時脈脈衝(pulsed clock)預先充電(precharged)。該可變門檻比較器(24)係與該電壓感測器(23)之電晶體(MP2)之VL節點連接,其一可變門檻(threshold)由該VL節點控制(為反向控制,如第十圖中之i_VL)。因此,該可變門檻比較器(24)可以判斷式(4)或式(5)中的該虛擬電壓源(VDDV)之瞬間電壓(VV)飽和與否。易言之,該可變門檻比較器(24)比較該電壓感測器(23)之VL節點(如第十圖中之i_VL)及該虛擬電壓源之瞬間電壓(第十圖中之VV)是否滿足式(4)或(5)。而當該可變門檻比較器(24)之輸出端切換至低準位,形成一比較結果狀態(assertion of the comparator)而輸出時,代表該電路模組已經完成切換工作。當該功率閘網路(21)所採用的電晶體為N型時,則該電壓感測器(23)、該可變門檻比較器(24)之電路則需適應性修改,而可以改為偵測該虛擬接地點(VGND)之電壓變化特性;例如,該電壓感測器(23)除了必須改為連接於該虛擬接地點(VGND)之外,也必須修改內部電路而可以感測該虛擬接地點(VGND)之電壓變化。Referring to the tenth figure, the variable threshold comparator (24) of the embodiment is a modified Schmitt Trigger, and the Schmitt trigger circuit is pre-charged by a pulsed clock. (precharged). The variable threshold comparator (24) is connected to the VL node of the transistor (MP2) of the voltage sensor (23), and a variable threshold is controlled by the VL node (for reverse control, such as i_VL in the tenth figure). Therefore, the variable threshold comparator (24) can judge whether the instantaneous voltage (VV) of the virtual voltage source (VDDV) in the equation (4) or the equation (5) is saturated or not. In other words, the variable threshold comparator (24) compares the VL node of the voltage sensor (23) (such as i_VL in the tenth figure) and the instantaneous voltage of the virtual voltage source (VV in the tenth figure) Whether the formula (4) or (5) is satisfied. When the output of the variable threshold comparator (24) is switched to the low level to form an assertion of the comparator and output, it indicates that the circuit module has completed the switching operation. When the transistor used in the power gate network (21) is N-type, the circuit of the voltage sensor (23) and the variable threshold comparator (24) needs to be modified, and can be changed to Detecting the voltage variation characteristic of the virtual ground point (VGND); for example, the voltage sensor (23) must be modified to be connected to the virtual ground point (VGND), and the internal circuit must be modified to sense the The voltage at the virtual ground point (VGND) changes.

該冗餘區間偵測電路(25)透過比較該可變門檻比較器(24)的比較結果狀態及一電路工作的時脈邊緣(clock edge)以判斷時脈週期內是否存在一冗餘區間(unused slack)。該冗餘區間是指在時脈週期中,某些為了防止電路因工作環境變化造成延遲時間的增加而加入的時間餘裕,或者是因為電路輸入資料不同造成運算時間的縮短而所剩餘的時脈長度。The redundant interval detecting circuit (25) determines whether there is a redundant interval in the clock cycle by comparing the comparison result state of the variable threshold comparator (24) with a clock edge of a circuit operation ( Unused slack). The redundant interval refers to the time margin added in the clock cycle to prevent the delay time from increasing due to the change of the working environment, or the remaining clock due to the shortening of the operation time due to different circuit input data. length.

請參考第十一圖,該多模式功率閘網路(21)與該雙向位移暫存器(27)之複數個控制訊號(Ctrl4~0)連接,其中,當發現過多冗餘區間存在時,該雙向位移暫存器(27)之狀態”1”往右移以關掉該多模式功率閘網路(21)之功率閘(即P型金氧半電晶體(PMOS));反之,當沒有足夠的冗餘區間存在時(比電路模組需要的時間餘裕(timing margin)少時),該雙向位移暫存器(27)之狀態”0”往左移而開啟更多的該多模式功率閘網路(21)之功率閘。其中,該雙向位移暫存器(27)可以設有一重置(reset)、一維持(hold)、一電源切斷狀態(power gating state)...等控制訊號,其分別作為將該雙向位移暫存器(27)內的各位元歸零(打開所有的功率閘)、維持該雙向位移暫存器(27)內部的各位元之狀態,以及關閉所有的功率閘等作用。Referring to FIG. 11, the multi-mode power gate network (21) is connected to a plurality of control signals (Ctrl4~0) of the bidirectional displacement register (27), wherein when too many redundant intervals are found, The state "1" of the bidirectional displacement register (27) is shifted to the right to turn off the power gate of the multimode power gate network (21) (ie, P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS)); When there is not enough redundant interval (when the timing margin is less than the timing margin required by the circuit module), the state of the two-way shift register (27) is shifted to the left to open more of the multi-mode. Power gate of the power gate network (21). The bidirectional displacement register (27) may be provided with a control signal such as reset, a hold, a power gating state, etc., respectively, as the bidirectional displacement The bits in the register (27) are reset to zero (turning on all power gates), maintaining the state of each bit in the two-way shift register (27), and turning off all power gates.

一般目前既有之技術中,電路模組於工作時之速度規格(speed specification)通常需要考量製程、電壓及溫度(Process,Voltage,Temperature,PVT)變化之最糟糕狀況而必須在時脈的規格之中加入許多的餘裕(margins),以確保電路工作的延遲時間不會因工作環境的變化而大於時脈的規格,避免其他電路產生連鎖錯誤而影響最終之運算結果。然而,電路模組在使用過程中,前述的最糟糕狀況鮮少發生,因此,使得輸入該電路模組之大量功率浪費在該些餘裕上。而前述的適應性功率控制方法及裝置則可以判斷該電路模組(30)是否將所有的時脈餘裕加以用盡。Generally, in the current technology, the speed specification of the circuit module during operation usually needs to consider the worst case of the process, voltage, temperature (Process, Voltage, Temperature, PVT) changes and must be in the clock specification. A lot of margins are added to ensure that the delay time of the circuit operation is not greater than the clock specification due to the change of the working environment, and the other circuits are prevented from causing chain errors and affecting the final operation result. However, during the use of the circuit module, the aforementioned worst case occurs rarely, so that a large amount of power input to the circuit module is wasted on the margins. The foregoing adaptive power control method and apparatus can determine whether the circuit module (30) exhausts all clock margins.

另,在某些大型電路模組中,其非關鍵路徑(non-critical paths)的延遲時間相對於時脈規格亦存在一時脈餘裕,因此相同的概念(判斷電路是否存在冗餘區間)亦可使用於電路模組中的一非關鍵路徑(non-critical paths)。In addition, in some large-scale circuit modules, the delay time of non-critical paths also has a clock margin relative to the clock specification, so the same concept (determining whether the circuit has a redundant interval) may also Used in a non-critical path in a circuit module.

另外,本實施例之適應性功率控制方法與裝置具有可容忍各種變異之特性,因為所有製程電壓溫度之變異均反映在電路的延遲時間上,而本實施例可以在電路模組工作之中,取得電路之延遲狀況,同時主動使用電路之中的餘裕區間,達到節省功率之技術效果。In addition, the adaptive power control method and apparatus of the present embodiment have characteristics that can tolerate various variations, because variations in temperature of all process voltages are reflected in the delay time of the circuit, and this embodiment can be used in the operation of the circuit module. Obtaining the delay condition of the circuit and actively using the margin in the circuit to achieve the technical effect of saving power.

以上所述者,僅為本發明一較佳實施例而已,並非用來限定本發明實施之範圍,故舉凡依本發明申請專利範圍所述之形狀、構造、特徵及精神所為之均等變化與修飾,均應包括於本發明之申請專利範圍內。The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, so that the shapes, structures, features, and spirits described in the claims of the present invention are equally varied and modified. All should be included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

(21)...多模式功率閘網路(twenty one). . . Multimode power gate network

(23)...電壓感測器(twenty three). . . Voltage sensor

(24)...可變門檻比較器(twenty four). . . Variable threshold comparator

(25)...冗餘區間偵測電路(25). . . Redundant interval detection circuit

(27)...雙向位移暫存器(27). . . Two-way displacement register

(30)...電路模組(30). . . Circuit module

第一圖為一乘法器之消耗電流表現示意圖。The first figure is a schematic diagram of the current consumption performance of a multiplier.

第二圖為一反向器切換之輸出入電壓狀態示意圖。The second figure is a schematic diagram of the state of the input and output voltages of an inverter switching.

第三圖為一功率閘及反向器電路之輸出入電壓狀態示意圖。The third figure is a schematic diagram of the input and output voltage states of a power gate and inverter circuit.

第四圖為一以虛擬電壓源為監測對象之延遲時間評估機制的圖形解示意圖。The fourth figure is a graphical solution diagram of a delay time evaluation mechanism with a virtual voltage source as the monitoring object.

第五圖為一延遲時間評估機制之直/曲線求律結果示意圖。The fifth graph is a schematic diagram of the straight/curve seeking results of a delay time evaluation mechanism.

第六圖為一包含功率閘之乘法器電路圖。The sixth figure is a circuit diagram of a multiplier containing a power gate.

第七圖為一適應性功率控制裝置電路方塊圖。The seventh figure is a block diagram of an adaptive power control device circuit.

第八圖為一多模式功率閘網路之電路示意圖。The eighth figure is a circuit diagram of a multi-mode power gate network.

第九圖為一電壓感測器之電路示意圖。The ninth figure is a circuit diagram of a voltage sensor.

第十圖為一可變門檻比較器示意圖。The tenth figure is a schematic diagram of a variable threshold comparator.

第十一圖為一雙向位移暫存器示意圖。The eleventh figure is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional displacement register.

(21)...多模式功率閘網路(twenty one). . . Multimode power gate network

(23)...電壓感測器(twenty three). . . Voltage sensor

(24)...可變門檻比較器(twenty four). . . Variable threshold comparator

(25)...冗餘區間偵測電路(25). . . Redundant interval detection circuit

(27)...雙向位移暫存器(27). . . Two-way displacement register

(30)...電路模組(30). . . Circuit module

Claims (7)

一種具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,其包含:一多模式功率閘網路、一電壓感測器、一可變門檻比較器、一冗餘區間偵測電路以及一雙向位移暫存器,該多模式功率閘網路包含複數個並聯之電晶體,當該多模式功率閘網路連接於一電源與一電路模組之間時,各電晶體為P型電晶體且該多模式功率閘網路與該電路模組之連接節點視為一虛擬電壓源;當該多模式功率閘網路連接於一接地點與該電路模組之間時,各電晶體為N型電晶體且該多模式功率閘網路與該電路模組之間的節點視為一虛擬接地點,其中:該電壓感測器之輸入端連接於該虛擬電壓源或該虛擬接地點,該電壓感測器在該電路模組運作的期間內係重複尋找該虛擬電壓源之一最低電壓(VL)或尋找該虛擬接地點之一最高電壓(VH);該可變門檻比較器與該電壓感測器之輸出端電性連接,其比較該虛擬電壓源之一瞬間電壓(VV)與該最低電壓(VL)是否滿足一第一特定關係而輸出一第一比較結果狀態,或者該可變門檻比較器比較該虛擬接地點之瞬間電壓(VG)與該最高電壓(VH)是否滿足一第二特定關係而輸出一第二比較結果狀態;該冗餘區間偵測電路之輸入端連接於該可變門檻比較器,依據該可變門檻比較器之該第一或第二比較結果狀態及一時脈邊緣以偵測一時脈週期內是否存在一冗餘區間;該雙向位移暫存器之輸入端與該冗餘區間偵測電路電 性連接,其依據該冗餘區間之是否存在而產生位移,使該雙向位移暫存器之複數個控制訊號的輸出狀態改變;以及該多模式功率閘網路與該雙向位移暫存器之各控制訊號連接,各電晶體分別受該雙向位移暫存器之各控制控制訊號之狀態開啟或關閉,使該多模式功率閘網路依據冗餘區間之存在狀況而改變該電源輸出至該電路模組之功率。 An adaptive power control device with a circuit delay evaluation mechanism includes: a multi-mode power gate network, a voltage sensor, a variable threshold comparator, a redundant interval detection circuit, and a bidirectional displacement temporary storage The multi-mode power gate network includes a plurality of parallel transistors. When the multi-mode power gate network is connected between a power source and a circuit module, each transistor is a P-type transistor and the multi-mode The connection node of the power gate network and the circuit module is regarded as a virtual voltage source; when the multi-mode power gate network is connected between a grounding point and the circuit module, each transistor is an N-type transistor and The node between the multi-mode power gate network and the circuit module is regarded as a virtual ground point, wherein: the input end of the voltage sensor is connected to the virtual voltage source or the virtual ground point, and the voltage sensor During the operation of the circuit module, repeatedly searching for a minimum voltage (VL) of the virtual voltage source or finding a highest voltage (VH) of the virtual ground point; the variable threshold comparator and the voltage sensor The output is electrically connected, Comparing whether a transient voltage (VV) of the virtual voltage source and the minimum voltage (VL) satisfy a first specific relationship and outputting a first comparison result state, or the variable threshold comparator compares the instantaneous voltage of the virtual ground point (VG) outputting a second comparison result state according to whether the highest voltage (VH) satisfies a second specific relationship; an input end of the redundant interval detecting circuit is connected to the variable threshold comparator, according to the variable threshold The first or second comparison result state of the comparator and a clock edge to detect whether there is a redundant interval in a clock cycle; the input end of the bidirectional displacement register and the redundant interval detecting circuit a sexual connection, which is displaced according to whether the redundant interval exists, so that an output state of the plurality of control signals of the bidirectional displacement register is changed; and each of the multi-mode power gate network and the bidirectional displacement register Controlling signal connection, each transistor being turned on or off by the state of each control control signal of the bidirectional displacement register, so that the multi-mode power gate network changes the power output to the circuit mode according to the existence condition of the redundant interval Group power. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,其中,該第一特定關係滿足下列公式: 其中,VDD為該電源提供之電壓;Vth為該多模式功率閘網路及該電路模組內之P型電晶體之一臨界電壓(threshold voltage);VD0為P型電晶體於VGS=VDD時之一汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);α為一速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);λ為P型電晶體通道長度調變參數(channel length modulation parameter);及VDS0是一預設臨界電壓值。An adaptive power control device with a circuit delay evaluation mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first specific relationship satisfies the following formula: Wherein VDD is the voltage supplied by the power source; Vth is a threshold voltage of the multi-mode power gate network and the P-type transistor in the circuit module; VD0 is a P-type transistor when VGS=VDD One of the drain saturation voltages; α is a velocity saturation index; λ is a P-type transistor channel length modulation parameter; and VDS0 is a predetermined threshold voltage value. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,其中,該第二特定關係滿足下列公式: 其中,VDD為該電源提供之電壓;Vth為該多模式功率閘網路及該電路模組內之N型電晶體之一臨界電壓(threshold voltage);VD0為N型電晶體於VGS=VDD時之一汲極飽和電壓(drain saturation voltage);α為一速度飽和參數(velocity saturation index);λ為N型電晶體通道長度調變參數(channel length modulation parameter);及VDS0是一預設臨界電壓值。An adaptive power control device with a circuit delay evaluation mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the second specific relationship satisfies the following formula: Wherein, VDD is the voltage supplied by the power source; Vth is a threshold voltage of the multi-mode power gate network and the N-type transistor in the circuit module; and VD0 is an N-type transistor when VGS=VDD One of the drain saturation voltages; α is a velocity saturation index; λ is an N-type transistor channel length modulation parameter; and VDS0 is a predetermined threshold voltage value. 如申請專利範圍第1或2或3項所述之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,該可變門檻比較器為一變型之史密特觸發電路。 An adaptive power control device having a circuit delay evaluation mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the variable threshold comparator is a modified Schmitt trigger circuit. 如申請專利範圍第1或2或3項所述之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,該電壓感測器包含以二極體連接方式串接之二電晶體的感測電路。 An adaptive power control device having a circuit delay evaluation mechanism according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a sensing circuit of two transistors connected in series by a diode connection. 如申請專利範圍第2項所述之具電路延遲評估機制之適應性功率控制裝置,該VDS0為100mV時,該第一特定關係則滿足下列二者公式之一:VV 0.5685+0.4568.VL ;或VV 0.0902+1.7137.VL -0.8109.VL 2 ,電壓單位為伏特(V)。For an adaptive power control device with a circuit delay evaluation mechanism according to claim 2, when the VDS0 is 100 mV, the first specific relationship satisfies one of the following two formulas: VV 0.5685+0.4568. VL ; or VV 0.0902+1.7137. VL -0.8109. VL 2 , the voltage unit is volts (V). 如申請專利範圍第3項所述之具電路延遲評估機 制之適應性功率控制裝置,該VDS0為100mV時,該第二特定關係則滿足下列二者公式之一:VG -0.01729+0.4424.VH ;或VG 0.0045+0.1810.VH +0.5810.VH 2 ,電壓單位為伏特(V)。An adaptive power control device with a circuit delay evaluation mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the second specific relationship satisfies one of the following two formulas when the VDS0 is 100 mV: VG -0.01729+0.4424. VH ; or VG 0.0045+0.1810. VH +0.5810. VH 2 , the voltage unit is volts (V).
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