18099077. SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Contents
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
JAE GON Lee of SEONGNAM-SI (KR)
JAE YOUNG Lee of HWASEONG-SI (KR)
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18099077 titled 'SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a semiconductor device that includes various components for managing the clock signal provided to an intellectual property (IP) block. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:
- The semiconductor device includes an IP block, a clock management unit, a critical path monitor (CPM), and a CPM clock manager.
- The clock management unit receives a clock request signal from the IP block, indicating whether the IP block requires a clock signal.
- Based on the received clock request signal, the clock management unit performs clock gating for the IP block, which means it controls the flow of the clock signal to the IP block.
- The CPM monitors the clock signal provided to the IP block and can adjust the frequency of the clock signal or the voltage supplied to the IP block.
- The CPM clock manager is responsible for performing clock gating for the CPM itself.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Semiconductor devices that require efficient clock management for IP blocks.
- Systems where power consumption needs to be optimized by controlling clock signals.
- Integrated circuits that benefit from monitoring and adjusting clock signals for critical paths.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Inefficient use of power due to unnecessary clock signals being provided to IP blocks.
- Difficulty in monitoring and adjusting clock signals for critical paths.
- Lack of flexibility in managing clock signals for different IP blocks.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved power efficiency by gating clock signals based on the actual need of IP blocks.
- Enhanced performance by monitoring and adjusting clock signals for critical paths.
- Flexibility in managing clock signals for different IP blocks, allowing for customization and optimization.
Original Abstract Submitted
A semiconductor device includes an intellectual property (IP) block, a clock management unit, a critical path monitor (CPM), and a CPM clock manager included in the clock management unit. The clock management unit is configured to receive a clock request signal, indicating whether the IP block requires a clock signal, from the IP block and perform clock gating for the IP block based on the received clock request signal. The CPM is configured to monitor the clock signal provided to the IP block to adjust at least one of a frequency of the clock signal provided to the IP block and a voltage supplied to the IP block. The CPM clock manager is configured to perform the clock gating for the CPM.
