Patent promises efficient power design

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Sep 21, 2005

A new patent covers the design of a digital chip with multiple voltage domains powered by a switch mode DC/DC convertor controlled by a voltage fixing circuit integrated into the digital core.

US Patent 6,940,189, entitled "System and method for integrating a digital core with a switch mode power supply", was issued on 6th September 2005, granting right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing in the USA a system comprising a digital chip with multiple voltage domains powered by a switch mode DC/DC convertor controlled by a voltage fixing circuit integrated into the digital core using most efficient means.

This patent essentially teaches the most efficient means of power design and manufacture for advanced digital ICs ultimately extending battery life in handhelds such as PDAs, cellphones and media players.

The patent further describes this most efficient means as entries from a table of processor power states stored in memory or encoded within adaptive or static digital logic directly corresponding to values compared with counters running off the main IC clock to determine the output voltage of the DC/DC convertor, with means of programmable offset.

The patent also describes the method of design and production of such a device.

Whereas many of today's multiple voltage processor systems use a serial protocol to communicate to an external power management IC which in turn drives external power switching components, the invention of Patent 6,940,189 integrates the management into the processor core and the remaining power switching components into the final package operating from a single clock source and voltage source.

This integration mitigates radio interference risks while reducing cost and optimising energy use and power density.

No fewer than five and as many as several dozen semiconductor technology corporations could likely have equivalent technology on their roadmap.

The inventor has resolved to defend the rights of patent 6,940,189 to the fullest extent of the law hereto year 2023.

The inventor is reviewing licensing negotiations previously held contingent on issuance as well as considering new licensing bids and exclusive agreements.