Integrated circuit with interface circuitry, and an interface cell for such interface circuitry
US9800048B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/15311
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated circuit is provided with interface circuitry used to provide an interface between functional circuitry of the integrated circuit and components external to the integrated circuit. The functional circuitry is configured to operate from a first power supply and has a power supply distribution network associated therewith providing the first power supply to the functional components of the functional circuitry. The interface comprises a plurality of interface cells that have interface components operating from a second power supply different to the first power supply. A power supply line structure is shared by the plurality of interface cells, and arranged to provide the second power supply to the interface components. In addition, at least a subset of the interface cells include additional interface components that operate from the first power supply. Each such interface cell is arranged to have independent connection to the power supply distribution network in order to receive the first power supply. This avoids the need to incorporate any lines within the power supply line structure for provision of the first power supply to such additional interface components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.