Independent MCU and Main voltage domains
enable an SoC’s MCU and Main processor sub-systems to operate independently. There are 2
reasons an SoC’s PDN design may need to support independent MCU and Main processor
functionality. First is to provide flexibility to enable SoC low power modes that can
significant reduce SoC power dissipation when processor operations are not needed. Second is
to enable robustness to gain freedom from interference (FFI) of a single fault impacting
both MCU and Main processor sub-systems which is especially beneficial if using the SoC’s
MCU as the system safety monitoring processor. The number of additional PDN power rails
needed is dependent upon number of different MCU IO signaling voltage levels. If only 1.8V
IO signaling is used, the only 2 additional power rails could be required. If both 1.8 and
3.3V IO signaling is desired, then 4 additional power rails could be needed.
A. Terminology:
- Primary = Essential power up sequence
of all voltage domains to full active state.
- VOPR MIN = Minimum
operational voltage level that ensures functionality as specified in , Recommended
Operating Conditions.
- Ramp Up = Voltage supply transition
time from off condition to VOPR MIN.
- Domain_“n” = multiple instances of
similar voltage domains (that is, dual voltage IO domains, VDDSHVn = VDDSHV0, VDDSHV1,
VDDSHV2 … VDDSHV6)
- Domain_“xxx” = different signal
type/protocol domains using same voltage supply type and level (that is, VDDA_1P8_xx =
VDDA_1P8_DSITX, VDDA_1P8_USB, VDDA_0P8_DSITX, VDDA_0P8_USB, etc.)
Time stamp markers show approximate elapsed times that are dependent upon PDN feature
set, component selection and power mapping. Values shown are typical for PDNs supporting
independent MCU and Main voltage domains but could vary based upon PDN design.
Time Stamp definitions and (typical values for reference
only):
T0 – All 3.3V voltages start supply ramp-up to
V
OPR MIN. (0 ms)
T1 – All 1.8V voltages start
supply ramp-up to V
OPR MIN. (2 ms)
T2 – All core
voltages start supply ramp-up to V
OPR MIN. (3 ms)
T3 – All RAM array voltages start supply ramp-up to V
OPR MIN. (4 ms)
T4 – OSC1 is stable and PORz/MCU_PORz are de-asserted to
release processor from reset. (13 ms)
B. VDDSHVx
3.3V IO domains may have additional ramp-up delay due to following:
- Minimizing PMIC power dissipation
during low power mode that includes disabling PMIC’s VIO_IN supply for GPIO output
buffers.
- PDN component turn-on and ramp-up
delays needed to isolate MCU and Main IO domains
C. Any MCU or
Main dual voltage IO domains (VDDSHVn_MCU or VDDSHVn) being supplied by 3.3 V to support
3.3-V digital interfaces.
D. Any MCU or
Main dual voltage IO domains (VDDSHVn_MCU or VDDSHVn) being supplied by 1.8 V to support
1.8-V digital interfaces.
E. VDDSHV5
supports MMC1 signaling for SD memory cards. A dual voltage (3.3/1.8 V) power rail is
required for compliant, high-speed SD card operations. If SD card is not needed or
standard data rates with fixed 3.3 V operation is acceptable, then domain can be grouped
with digital IO 3.3-V power rail. If a SD card is capable of operating with fixed 1.8 V,
then domain can be grouped with digital IO 1.8-V power rail.
F. VDDA_3P3_USB is 3.3-V analog domain used for USB 2.0 differential interface signaling. A
low noise, analog supply is recommended to provide best signal integrity for USB data eye
mask compliance. If USB interface is not needed or data bit errors can be tolerated, then
domain can be grouped with 3.3-V digital IO power rail either directly or through a supply
filter.
G. VDDA_1P8_<clk/pll/ana> are 1.8-V analog domains supporting clock oscillator, PLL
and analog circuitry needing a low noise supply for optimal performance. It is not
recommended to combine digital VDDSHVn_MCU and VDDSHVn IO domains since high frequency
switching noise could negatively impact jitter performance of clock, PLL and DLL signals.
Combining analog VDDA_1p8_<phy> domains should be avoided but if grouped, then
in-line ferrite bead supply filtering is required.
H. VDDA_1P8_<phy> are 1.8-V analog domains supporting multiple serial PHY interfaces.
A low noise, analog supply is recommended to provide best signal integrity, interface
performance and spec compliance. If any of these interfaces are not needed, data bit
errors or non-compliant operation can be tolerated, then domains can be grouped with
digital IO 1.8-V power rail either directly or through an in-line supply filter is
allowed.
I. VDDA_0P8_<dll/pll> are 0.8-V analog domains supporting PLL and DLL circuitry
needing a low noise supply for optimal performance. It is not recommended to combine these
domains with any other 0.8-V domains since high frequency switching noise could negatively
impact jitter performance of PLL and DLL signals.
J. VDD_MCU is
a digital voltage domain with a wide operational voltage range enabling it to be grouped
either with VDDAR_MCU domain or with VDD_CORE; for the “Isolated MCU and Main Domains
Power-Up Sequencing,” VDD_MCU can be grouped with VDDAR_MCU; VDD_MCU must be ramped-up
before T2. If VDDAR_MCU is not grouped with VDD_MCU, it must be ramped at T3.
K. Minimum
set-up and hold times shown with respect to MCU_PORz and PORz asserting high to latch
MCU_BOOTMODEn (referenced to MCU_VDDSHV0) and BOOTMODEn (reference to VDDSHV2) settings
into registers during power up sequence.
L. Minimum
elapsed time from crystal oscillator circuitry being energized (VDDA_OSC1 at T1) until
stable clock frequency is reached depends upon on crystal oscillator, capacitor parameters
and PCB parasitic values. A conservative 10-ms elapsed time defined by (T4 – T1) time
stamps is shown. This could be reduced depending upon customer’s clock circuit (that is,
crystal oscillator or clock generator) and PCB designs.
Figure 6-6 Independent MCU
and Main Domains, Primary Power-Up Sequence