Multi-level power-domain voltage regulation
US10069410B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05F1/565
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An integrated circuit has at least two power domains. A first power domain has circuitry coupled between a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal. A second power domain has circuitry coupled between a third power supply terminal and a fourth power supply terminal. A complementary voltage regulator includes N-type and P-type voltage regulators. The N-type voltage regulator is coupled between the first and third power supply terminals and controls a first voltage level at the second power supply terminal. The P-type voltage regulator is coupled between the third and fourth power supply terminals and controls a second voltage level at the third power supply terminal. The N-type voltage regulator produces a mid-level supply voltage to the P-type regulator and a “ground” for the circuits in the first power domain. The P-type regulator circuit produces a “ground” for the N-type regulator and a mid-level supply voltage for the circuits in the second power-domain. Thus, a current consumed by the first power-domain is reused in the second power domain, thus enhancing power efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.