Method and apparatus for local and global power management in a programmable analog circuit
US6525593B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/45504
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for local and global power management in a programmable analog circuit. Specifically, the present invention describes an array of programmable analog blocks. Each block contains current mirror circuits that are coupled in parallel fashion. The mirror circuits function to increase current consumption in a corresponding operational amplifier more current when enabled. Global power management is achieved by increasing and decreasing the bias voltage that is applied to the array. Global configuration bits select the bias voltage value, including electrically disabling the bias voltage from the array of programmable analog blocks. Local power management is provided by enabling or disabling mirror circuits with local configuration bits to adjust the performance in an operational amplifier contained within a corresponding programmable analog block. A microcontroller controls the local and global management of power through the programmable analog block.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.