Samsung electronics co., ltd. (20240319761). SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PERFORMING CLOCK GATING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF simplified abstract

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PERFORMING CLOCK GATING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

Organization Name

samsung electronics co., ltd.

Inventor(s)

Jaeyoung Lee of Suwon-si (KR)

Byungsu Kim of Suwon-si (KR)

Youngsan Kim of Suwon-si (KR)

Jaegon Lee of Suwon-si (KR)

Jaehoon Kim of Suwon-si (KR)

Byeongho Lee of Suwon-si (KR)

Jongjin Lee of Suwon-si (KR)

Wookyeong Jeong of Suwon-si (KR)

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PERFORMING CLOCK GATING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240319761 titled 'SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PERFORMING CLOCK GATING AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

The semiconductor device described in the abstract includes an intellectual property (IP) block, a clock gating circuit, and a critical path monitor (CPM).

• The IP block operates based on a first clock signal and a power voltage.
• The clock gating circuit generates the first clock signal by selectively performing clock gating on a second clock signal based on an enable signal.
• The CPM generates a digital code that varies according to a voltage drop of the power voltage and activates the enable signal based on a comparison of the digital code value with a reference value.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be applied in various semiconductor devices to optimize power consumption and performance. - It can be used in mobile devices, IoT devices, and other electronic systems where power efficiency is crucial.

Problems Solved: - Addresses the need for efficient power management in semiconductor devices. - Helps improve overall performance by dynamically adjusting clock signals based on power voltage variations.

Benefits: - Enhanced power efficiency and performance in semiconductor devices. - Real-time monitoring and adjustment of critical paths for optimal operation.

Commercial Applications: Title: "Power-Efficient Semiconductor Devices for Enhanced Performance" This technology can be utilized in the development of energy-efficient mobile devices, IoT products, and other electronic systems. It can help manufacturers improve the battery life and overall performance of their products, leading to increased customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the critical path monitor adjust the enable signal based on the voltage drop? - The CPM generates a digital code that reflects the voltage drop of the power voltage and compares it to a reference value to activate the enable signal accordingly. 2. What are the key advantages of using clock gating in semiconductor devices? - Clock gating helps reduce power consumption by selectively enabling clock signals only when needed, leading to improved energy efficiency.

Original Abstract Submitted

a semiconductor device includes an intellectual property (ip) block configured to operate based on a first clock signal and a power voltage, a clock gating circuit configured to operate based on the power voltage, and generate the first clock signal by selectively performing clock gating on a second clock signal based on an enable signal, and a critical path monitor (cpm) configured to generate a digital code having a value, which varies according to a voltage drop of the power voltage, and activate the enable signal based on a comparison of the value of the digital code with a reference value.