Method and apparatus for power gating hardware components in a chip device

摘要

According to at least one example embodiment, a semiconductor device is configured to gate power supply to a hardware component through a transistor coupled to the hardware component. The transistor is operated by a controller in a manner to limit electric current dissipated to the hardware component during a transition period. The controller is configured to gradually turn on, or off, the hardware component during a transition period by controlling at least one input signal to the transistor. Gradual turning on, or off, of the hardware component reduces electric current leakage through the hardware component and diminishes any potential disturbance to a ground reference coupled to the hardware component.

主权项

1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a hardware component; a transistor, coupled to the hardware component, for gating power supply to the hardware component; and a controller configured to operate the transistor in a manner to limit electric current dissipated to the hardware component during a transition period by gradually decreasing, or gradually increasing, a magnitude of an input signal of the transistor during the transition period.