A system and method for controlling performance and/or power based on monitored performance characteristics. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first circuit module that receives electrical power. A second circuit module may monitor one or more performance characteristics of the first circuit module and/or the integrated circuit. A third circuit module may, for example, determine power control information based at least in part on the monitored performance characteristic(s). The power control information may be communicated to power supply circuitry to control various characteristics of the electrical power. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first module that monitors at least one performance characteristic of a first electrical device. The integrated circuit may also comprise modules that determine power control information based on the monitored performance characteristic(s) and communicate such power control information to power supply circuitry.
Integrated Circuit Chip Having Non-Volatile On-Chip Memories For Providing Programmable Functions And Features
Neil Y. Kim - Laguna Niguel CA, US Pieter Vorenkamp - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Assignee:
Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA
International Classification:
G11C 7/00
US Classification:
365200, 36523003, 365 96, 3652257
Abstract:
An integrated circuit chip having programmable functions and features in which one-time programmable (OTP) memories are used to implement a non-volatile memory function, and a method for providing the same. The OTP memories may be based on poly-fuses as well as gate-oxide fuses. Because OTP memories are small, less die area is utilized as compared to metal fuses. Additionally, because OTP memories can be implemented as part of standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes, the method is less costly and complex than the use of electrically-erasable programmable read-only memories (E2PROMs).
Increased Yield Manufacturing For Integrated Circuits
Pieter Vorenkamp - Laguna Niguel CA, US Neil Y. Kim - Laguna Niguel CA, US
Assignee:
Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA
International Classification:
G01R 31/26
US Classification:
324765, 324 731, 438 17
Abstract:
A system and method for providing increased manufacturing yield for integrated circuits. Various aspects of the invention may comprise receiving an integrated circuit designed to operate at nominal power supply characteristics. The integrated circuit may, for example, be tested at nominal power supply characteristics to determine if the integrated circuit meets performance requirements at nominal power supply characteristics. If the integrated circuit meets performance requirements at nominal power supply characteristics, then the integrated circuit may designated as such and further processed accordingly. Such a designation may, for example be visible, electronic or procedural. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise testing the integrated circuit at non-nominal power supply characteristics to determine if the integrated circuit meets performance requirements at non-nominal power supply characteristics. If the integrated circuit meets performance requirements at non-nominal power supply characteristics, then the integrated circuit may be designated as such and further processed accordingly.
Multi-Regulator Power Supply Chip With Common Control Bus
A system and method for implementing a common control bus in a multi-regulator power supply integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may, for example, comprise first and second power regulator modules that control at least one characteristic of respective power signals. The integrated circuit may also, for example, comprise a communication interface module that receives power control information related to operation of the first and second power regulator modules over a shared data bus. An exemplary method may, for example, comprise receiving power control information over a data bus. The method may also, for example, comprise determining which of a plurality of power regulators corresponds to the received power control information. The method may further, for example, comprise determining a regulator control signal, based at least in part on the received power control information, and provide the regulator control signal to the determined regulator(s) to control operation of the determined regulator(s).
Low Power Warning In A Portable Communication Device Based On Predicted Device Utilization
Neil Y. Kim - Laguna Niguel CA, US Pieter Vorenkamp - Laguna Niguel CA, US Sumant Ranganathan - Sunnyvale CA, US Chun-ying Chen - Irvine CA, US
Assignee:
Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA
International Classification:
H04M 1/00
US Classification:
455574, 4553436, 3403361, 320132
Abstract:
A system and method for providing a low power warning in a portable communication device based on predicted device utilization. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise monitoring power utilization for a portable communication device. A power utilization profile may be determined based, at least in part, on the results of the power utilization monitoring. Power availability for the portable communication device may be determined. Future power need for the portable communication device may be predicted based, at least in part, on the determined power utilization profile. The predicted future power need and the determined power availability may be analyzed to determine whether to generate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage. If it is determined that a potential future power shortage warning should be generated, such a warning may be generated. Such a warning may, for example, be generated in accordance with user specifications.
Power Supply Integrated Circuit With Feedback Control
A system and method for providing power control in a power management integrated circuit. A power management integrated circuit may comprise a communication interface module that receives power supply information from at least one electrical device external to the power management integrated circuit. The power supply information may, for example, comprise information related to a first electrical power. The power management integrated circuit may also comprise a power regulator module that determines a regulated power signal based, at least in part, on a portion of the power supply information. The regulated power signal may correspond to the first electrical power. For example, the regulated power signal may comprise the first electrical power or cause another circuit to output the first electrical power. The power management integrated circuit may then output the regulated power signal to at least one electrical device external to the power management integrated circuit.
Energy Efficient Achievement Of Integrated Circuit Performance Goals
A system and method for meeting performance goals in an electronic system in an energy efficient manner. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise operating an electrical circuit at a current level of performance and a current level of energy efficiency by providing the electrical circuit with electrical power characterized by a current set of power characteristics (e. g. , utilizing a power control module). The current level of performance may be determined (e. g. , by a performance monitor) and compared to a desired level of performance (e. g. , by the power control module). If the current level of performance is higher than the desired level of performance, then the electrical circuit may be operated at a next (e. g. , lower) level of performance and a next (e. g. , higher) level of energy efficiency by providing the electrical circuit with electrical power characterized by a next set of power characteristics.
Power Control Bus For Carrying Power Control Information Indicating A Power Supply Voltage Variability
Neil Y. Kim - Laguna Niguel CA, US Pieter Vorenkamp - Laguna Niguel CA, US Sumant Ranganathan - Sunnyvale CA, US Chun-ying Chen - Irvine CA, US
Assignee:
Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA
International Classification:
G06F 1/00
US Classification:
713300, 713320
Abstract:
A circuit and method utilizing a power control data bus for implementing power control. Various aspects of the present invention provide an electrical circuit that comprises a power supply circuit that outputs electrical power. The electrical circuit may also comprise an integrated circuit that receives electrical power from the power supply circuit. The electrical circuit may also comprise a power control data bus, which communicatively couples a power control data bus interface of the power supply circuit and a power control data bus interface of the integrated circuit. The power control data bus may, for example, carry power control data between the integrated circuit and the power supply circuit. Various aspects of the present invention also provide a method that comprises communicating power control data over a power control data bus and utilizing the power control data to control characteristics of electrical power provided to an integrated circuit or module.