Separate variable power supply to on-chip memory using existing power supplies
US7170811B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C5/147
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power supply for on-chip memory on an integrated circuit powered by a voltage source includes an on-chip logic circuit, a voltage identification bus and an on-chip variable voltage regulator. The on-chip logic circuit receives power from an off-chip variable power supply and generates a voltage identification signal that provides control information regarding a desired current state of the off-chip variable power supply. The voltage identification bus receives the voltage identification signal from the on-chip logic circuit. The on-chip variable voltage regulator receives power from the voltage source. The on-chip voltage regulator is controlled by an on-chip voltage regulator control logic circuit that is in communication with the voltage identification bus. The on-chip voltage regulator control logic circuit is responsive to the voltage identification signal and causes the on-chip variable voltage regulator to supply an array voltage to an array that tracks the current state of the off-chip variable power supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.