Semiconductor Devices

Abstract

To set an output voltage to 0 V in a short time.SOLUTION: A semiconductor device includes first and second terminals, first to fourth transistors, and a control circuit. The first transistor includes a first end connected to a first node, and a second end connected to the first terminal. The second transistor includes a first end connected to a second node, and a second end connected to the second terminal. The third transistor includes a first end connected to a third node to which a first voltage is supplied, and a second end connected to the first node. The fourth transistor includes a first end connected to the third node, and a second end connected to the second node. When the supply of the first voltage to the third node is stopped, the control circuit turns the second transistor from the OFF state to the ON state, turns the third and fourth transistors from the ON state to the OFF state, and turns the first transistor from the OFF state to the ON state after a lapse of a first time period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device. [Background technology]

[0002] Semiconductor devices for supplying power to a load are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 110230 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 024643 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-48020 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-97324 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-253897 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-154391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Set the output voltage to 0V for a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The semiconductor device according to the embodiment includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a control circuit. The first transistor includes a first terminal connected to a first node and a second terminal connected to the first terminal. The second transistor includes a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to the second terminal. The third transistor includes a first terminal connected to a third node to which a first voltage is supplied and a second terminal connected to the first node. The fourth transistor includes a first terminal connected to the third node and a second terminal connected to the second node. The control circuit controls the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor. When the supply of the first voltage to the third node is stopped, the control circuit changes the second transistor from an off state to an on state, changes the third transistor and the fourth transistor from an on state to an off state, and changes the first transistor from an off state to an on state after a first period has elapsed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of operation of a semiconductor device according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a semiconductor device according to a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals. The embodiments shown below are merely examples of technical ideas. The embodiments do not specify the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc. of the components. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments.

[0008] [1] First embodiment The semiconductor device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0009] [1-1] Configuration [1-1-1] Overall configuration of semiconductor device 1 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment. The semiconductor device 1 is a load switch that supplies power to a load. The semiconductor device 1 is, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0010] The semiconductor device 1 includes terminals PVIN, PVOUT, and PEN, transistors MNO1 and MNO2, a control circuit 10, a charge pump circuit 20, and switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and .

[0011] The terminal PVIN is an input terminal of the semiconductor device 1. A power supply PS provided outside the semiconductor device 1 is connected to the terminal PVIN. The power supply PS outputs a voltage VPS. That is, the voltage VPS is applied to the terminal PVIN.

[0012] The terminal PVOUT is an output terminal of the semiconductor device 1. Power is supplied from the terminal PVOUT to the outside of the semiconductor device 1. A resistive load RL and a capacitive load CL, which are provided outside the semiconductor device 1, are connected to the terminal PVOUT. The resistive load RL consumes the supplied power. The capacitive load CL stores the supplied power. The resistive load RL is provided between the terminal PVOUT and a ground voltage. The capacitive load CL is provided in parallel with the resistive load RL between the terminal PVOUT and a ground voltage.

[0013] The terminal PEN is a control terminal of the semiconductor device 1. A command CMD is input to the terminal PEN from outside the semiconductor device 1. The command CMD includes a command CMD for causing the semiconductor device 1 to drive a load and a command CMD for causing the semiconductor device 1 to stop driving the load. In the following description, the operation of causing the semiconductor device 1 to drive a load is also referred to as an ON operation. The operation of causing the semiconductor device 1 to stop driving the load is also referred to as an OFF operation. The command for causing the semiconductor device 1 to drive a load is also referred to as an ON operation command CMD. The command for causing the semiconductor device 1 to stop driving the load is also referred to as an OFF operation command CMD.

[0014] The transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are N-channel MOSFETs. The source of the transistor MNO1 is connected to the terminal PVIN. The gate of the transistor MNO1 is connected to the node N1. The source of the transistor MNO2 is connected to the terminal PVOUT. The gate of the transistor MNO2 is connected to the node N2. The drain of the transistor MNO2 is connected to the drain of the transistor MNO1. The state in which the drains are connected to each other is called, for example, a drain common connection. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are in an on state, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 output a voltage VPS to the terminal PVOUT. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are in an off state, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 do not output a voltage VPS to the terminal PVOUT.

[0015] The control circuit 10 controls the overall operation of the semiconductor device 1 and switches between an ON operation and an OFF operation. The control circuit 10 receives a command CMD from outside the semiconductor device 1 via the terminal PEN. The control circuit 10 controls the operation of the charge pump circuit 20 and the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34 based on the received command CMD. Specifically, when switching the semiconductor device 1 from an OFF operation to an ON operation, the control circuit 10 connects the switching circuits 31 and 33 and disconnects the switching circuits 32 and 34. When switching the semiconductor device 1 from an ON operation to an OFF operation, the control circuit 10 connects the switching circuits 32 and 34 and disconnects the switching circuits 31 and 33. The control circuit 10 also includes a timer that counts elapsed time.

[0016] The charge pump circuit 20 generates a voltage VH and outputs it to the node N3 under the control of the control circuit 10. The voltage VH is higher than the voltage VPS by at least the threshold voltages of the transistors MNO1 and MNO2.

[0017] The switching circuit 31, under the control of the control circuit 10, connects or disconnects the node N1 and the node N3.

[0018] The switching circuit 32, under the control of the control circuit 10, connects or disconnects the node N1 and the terminal PVIN.

[0019] The switching circuit 33, under the control of the control circuit 10, connects or disconnects the node N2 and the node N3.

[0020] The switching circuit 34, under the control of the control circuit 10, connects or disconnects the node N2 and the terminal PVOUT.

[0021] [1-1-2] Configuration of switching circuits 31 to 34 The switching circuit 31 includes transistors MP1 and MN1, a resistor R11, and a current source I1. The transistor MP1 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN1 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0022] The source of transistor MP1 is connected to node N3. The drain of transistor MP1 is connected to node N1. One end of resistor R11 is connected to node N3. The gate of transistor MP1, the other end of resistor R11, and the drain of transistor MN1 are connected together. The gate of transistor MN1 is connected to control circuit 10. Current source I1 is connected to supply current from the source of transistor MN1 to ground.

[0023] The resistance value of the resistor R11 and the current value of the current source I1 are determined so that the product of the resistance value of the resistor R11 and the current value of the current source I1 is greater than the threshold voltage of the transistor MP1.

[0024] The switching circuit 32 includes transistors MP2 and MN2 and resistors R21, R22, and R23. The transistor MP2 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN2 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0025] The source of transistor MP2 is connected to node N1. The drain of transistor MP2 is connected to terminal PVIN. One end of resistor R21 is connected to node N1. The gate of transistor MP2, the other end of resistor R21, and one end of resistor R22 are connected. The other end of resistor R22, one end of resistor R23, and the drain of transistor MN2 are connected. The other end of resistor R23 is grounded. The source of transistor MN2 is grounded. The gate of transistor MN2 is connected to the control circuit 10.

[0026] The resistance values ​​r21, r22, and r23 are determined so as to satisfy the following equations (1) and (2), respectively.

[0027] |VH×(r21) / (r21+r22+r23)|<|Vth(MP2)| (1) |VDIS×(r21) / (r21+r22)|>|Vth(MP2)| (2) The resistance values ​​of resistors R21, R22, and R23 are referred to as r21, r22, and r23, respectively. The threshold voltage of transistor MP2 is referred to as Vth(MP2). Voltage VDIS is lower than voltage VPS and higher than the threshold voltage of transistor MP2.

[0028] The switching circuit 33 includes transistors MP3 and MN3, a resistor R31, and a current source 13. The transistor MP3 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN3 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0029] The source of transistor MP3 is connected to node N3. The drain of transistor MP3 is connected to node N2. One end of resistor R31 is connected to node N3. The gate of transistor MP3, the other end of resistor R31, and the drain of transistor MN3 are connected together. The gate of transistor MN3 is connected to control circuit 10. Current source I3 is connected to supply current from the source of transistor MN3 to ground.

[0030] The resistance value of the resistor R31 and the current value of the current source I3 are determined so that the product of the resistance value of the resistor R31 and the current value of the current source I3 is greater than the threshold voltage of the transistor MP3.

[0031] The switching circuit 34 includes transistors MP4 and MN4 and resistors R41, R42, and R43. The transistor MP4 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN4 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0032] The source of transistor MP4 is connected to node N2. The drain of transistor MP4 is connected to terminal PVOUT. One end of resistor R41 is connected to node N2. The gate of transistor MP4, the other end of resistor R41, and one end of resistor R42 are connected. The other end of resistor R42, one end of resistor R43, and the drain of transistor MN4 are connected. The other end of resistor R43 is grounded. The source of transistor MN4 is grounded. The gate of transistor MN4 is connected to the control circuit 10.

[0033] The resistance values ​​r41, r42, and r43 are determined so as to satisfy the following equations (3) and (4), respectively.

[0034] |VH×(r41) / (r41+r42+r43)|<|Vth(MP4)| (3) |VDIS×(r41) / (r41+r42)|>|Vth(MP4)| (4) The resistance values ​​of the resistors R41, R42, and R43 are referred to as r41, r42, and r43, respectively. The threshold voltage of the transistor MP4 is referred to as Vth(MP4).

[0035] Each of the transistors also includes a parasitic diode. In FIG. 1, the parasitic diodes are shown for the transistors MNO1, MNO2, and MP1, but are omitted for the other transistors. In an N-channel transistor, the parasitic diode is provided so that the anode is connected to the source and the cathode is connected to the drain. In a P-channel transistor, the parasitic diode is provided so that the anode is connected to the drain and the cathode is connected to the source.

[0036] [1-2] Operation The following describes the operation of the semiconductor device 1. First, still referring to FIG.

[0037] The operation of the switching circuit 31 will now be described. The switching circuit 31 performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In a connection operation of the switching circuit 31, the control circuit 10 applies an "H" level to the gate of transistor MN1, turning on transistor MN1. A current flows from node N3 to current source I1 via resistor R11 and transistor MN1 in the ON state. This current generates a voltage across resistor R11, turning on transistor MP1. In this way, in a connection operation, the switching circuit 31 connects node N1 and node N3 via transistor MP1, which is in the ON state.

[0038] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 31, the control circuit 10 applies an "L" level to the gate of transistor MN1, turning transistor MN1 off. With transistor MN1 in the off state, the current flowing through resistor R11 is cut off, the voltage across resistor R11 disappears, and transistor MP1 turns off. In this way, in the disconnection operation, the switching circuit 31 disconnects nodes N1 and N3 with transistor MP1 in the off state.

[0039] The operation of the switching circuit 32 will now be described. The switching circuit 32 performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In the connection operation of the switching circuit 32, the control circuit 10 applies a high level to the gate of transistor MN2, turning on transistor MN2. Since transistor MN2, which is turned on, shorts out resistor R23, the gate voltage of transistor MP2 becomes the voltage at node N1 divided by resistors R21 and R22. According to the above equation (2), if the voltage at node N1 is equal to or higher than voltage VDIS, transistor MP2 is turned on. In this way, in the connection operation, the switching circuit 32 connects node N1 and terminal PVIN using transistor MP2, which is turned on.

[0040] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 32, the control circuit 10 applies an "L" level to the gate of transistor MN2, turning off transistor MN2. With transistor MN2 in the off state, the gate voltage of transistor MP2 becomes the value obtained by dividing the voltage of node N1 by resistors R21, R22, and R23. According to the above-mentioned equation (1), if the voltage of node N1 is equal to or lower than voltage VH, transistor MP2 is in the off state. In this way, in the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 32, transistor MP2 in the off state disconnects node N1 from terminal PVIN.

[0041] The operation of the switching circuit 33 will now be described. The switching circuit 33 performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In a connection operation of the switching circuit 33, the control circuit 10 applies an "H" level to the gate of transistor MN3, turning on transistor MN3. A current flows from node N3 to current source I3 via resistor R31 and transistor MN3 in the ON state. This current generates a voltage across resistor R31, turning on transistor MP3. In this way, in a connection operation, the switching circuit 33 connects node N2 and node N3 via transistor MP3, which is in the ON state.

[0042] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 33, the control circuit 10 applies an "L" level to the gate of transistor MN3, turning transistor MN3 off. With transistor MN3 in the off state, the current flowing through resistor R31 is cut off, the voltage across resistor R31 disappears, and transistor MP3 turns off. In this way, in the disconnection operation, the switching circuit 33 disconnects nodes N2 and N3 with transistor MP3 in the off state.

[0043] The operation of the switching circuit 34 will now be described. The switching circuit 34 performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In a connection operation of the switching circuit 34, the control circuit 10 applies a high level to the gate of transistor MN4, turning on transistor MN4. Since transistor MN4, which is turned on, shorts out resistor R43, the gate voltage of transistor MP4 becomes the voltage at node N2 divided by resistors R41 and R42. According to equation (4) above, if the voltage at node N2 is equal to or higher than voltage VDIS, transistor MP4 is turned on. In this way, in a connection operation, the switching circuit 34 connects node N2 and terminal PVOUT using transistor MP4, which is turned on.

[0044] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 34, the control circuit 10 applies a low level to the gate of transistor MN4, turning off transistor MN4. With transistor MN4 in the off state, the gate voltage of transistor MP4 becomes the voltage at node N2 divided by resistors R41, R42, and R43. According to equation (3) above, if the voltage at node N2 is equal to or lower than voltage VH, transistor MP4 is in the off state. In this way, in the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 34, transistor MP4 in the off state disconnects node N2 from terminal PVOUT.

[0045] The following describes the overall operation of the semiconductor device 1. The voltage at node N1 is called VN1. The voltage at node N2 is called VN2. The voltage at node N3 is called VN3. The voltage at terminal PVOUT is called VOUT. The ground voltage GND is 0V.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows how the semiconductor device 1, which is currently in an ON operation, receives an OFF operation command CMD and switches from ON to OFF. FIG. 2 also shows voltages VN1, VN2, VN3, and VOUT. Voltage VN1 is shown by a fine dashed line, voltage VN2 by a coarse dashed line, voltage VN3 by a dashed-dotted line, and voltage VOUT by a solid line. FIG. 2 also shows whether transistors MP1 to MP4 are in an ON state or an OFF state. The periods during which each transistor is in an ON state are shown by solid lines, and the periods during which each transistor is in an OFF state are shown by dashed lines.

[0047] At time t10, the semiconductor device 1 is performing an ON operation. During the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1, the control circuit 10 causes the charge pump circuit 20 to output voltage VH. As a result, voltage VN3 becomes voltage VH. Furthermore, during the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1, the control circuit 10 causes switching circuits 31 and 33 to perform a connection operation and switching circuits 32 and 34 to perform a disconnection operation. As a result, transistors MP1 and MP3 are turned on, and transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned off. Therefore, nodes N1 and N2 are connected to node N3, respectively, and voltages VN1 and VN2 become voltage VH. Since the voltage of terminal PVIN is voltage VPS and voltages VN1 and VN2 are voltage VH, transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned on, and voltage VPS is output from terminal PVIN to terminal PVOUT. Therefore, voltage VOUT becomes voltage VPS.

[0048] At time t11, the semiconductor device 1 receives an off-operation command CMD and starts the off-operation. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1, the control circuit 10 causes the charge pump circuit 20 to stop outputting the voltage VH. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1, the control circuit 10 also causes the switching circuits 31 and 33 to start a disconnection operation, causes the switching circuit 34 to start a connection operation, and starts counting on the timer.

[0049] Although the switching circuits 31 and 33 start their disconnection operation, the transistors MP1 and MP3 remain on for a while. This is for the following reason. The transistor MP1 includes a gate-drain capacitance. When a current flowing through this gate-drain capacitance passes through the resistor R11, a voltage drop occurs. This voltage drop keeps the transistor MP1 on. Similarly, the transistor MP3 includes a gate-drain capacitance. When a current flowing through this gate-drain capacitance passes through the resistor R31, a voltage drop occurs. This voltage drop keeps the transistor MP3 on. Therefore, even though the switching circuits 31 and 33 start their disconnection operation, the transistors MP1 and MP3 remain on for a while.

[0050] The switching circuit 34 starts the connection operation, and the transistor MP4 is turned on. Therefore, at time t11, the transistors MP1, MP3, and MP4 are in the on state.

[0051] The voltages at nodes N1, N2, and N3 are discharged to terminal PVOUT via transistors MP1, MP3, and MP4 that are on. Therefore, after time t11, voltages VN1, VN2, and VN3 decrease from voltage VH.

[0052] When the voltages VN1 and VN2 decrease and become lower than the sum of the voltage VPS and the threshold voltage of the transistor MNO1 or MNO2, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off, the voltage VOUT decreases.

[0053] At time t12, transistor MP1 switches from the on state to the off state. This disconnects node N1 from node N3, and the voltage VN1 stops decreasing. After time t12, voltages VN2, VN3, and VOUT continue to decrease.

[0054] At time t13, transistor MP3 switches from the on state to the off state. This disconnects node N3 from node N2, and the voltage VN3 stops decreasing. After time t13, voltages VN2 and VOUT continue to decrease and eventually reach 0 V.

[0055] At time t14, the control circuit 10 ends the timer count and causes the switching circuit 32 to start the connection operation. The switching circuit 32 starts the connection operation, and the transistor MP2 turns on. This connects the node N1 to the terminal PVIN, and the voltage of the node N1 is discharged to the terminal PVIN. After time t14, the voltage VN1 drops to the voltage VPS.

[0056] [1-3] Effects According to the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, in an off operation, the output voltage can be set to 0 V in a short time. The effects of the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0057] In the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 10 uses a timer to manage the timing at which the switching circuit 32 starts a connection operation. Here, a comparative example will be described that does not use a timer to manage the timing, but instead includes a control circuit that causes the switching circuit 32 to start a connection operation when an off operation command CMD is received.

[0058] The semiconductor device 1a according to the comparative example differs from the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment in that the control circuit 10a does not perform timing management using a timer. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the comparative example. FIG. 3 shows the semiconductor device 1a, which is currently in an ON state, receiving an OFF command CMD and switching from ON to OFF. FIG. 3 also shows voltages VN1, VN2, VN3, and VOUT. Voltage VN1 is shown by a fine dashed line, voltage VN2 by a coarse dashed line, voltage VN3 by a dot-dash line, and voltage VOUT by a solid line. FIG. 3 also shows whether transistors MP1 to MP4 are in an ON state or an OFF state. The period during which each transistor is in an ON state is shown by a solid line, and the period during which each transistor is in an OFF state is shown by a dashed line.

[0059] At time t20, the semiconductor device 1a is performing an ON operation, which is similar to the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1.

[0060] At time t21, the semiconductor device 1a receives an off-operation command CMD and starts the off-operation. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1a, the control circuit 10a causes the charge pump circuit 20 to stop outputting the voltage VH. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1a, the control circuit 10a also causes the switching circuits 31 and 33 to start a disconnection operation and the switching circuits 32 and 34 to start a connection operation.

[0061] As in the semiconductor device 1, in the semiconductor device 1a, even when the switching circuits 31 and 33 start the disconnection operation, the transistors MP1 and MP3 maintain the on state for a while.

[0062] The switching circuits 32 and 34 start to connect, and the transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned on. Therefore, at time t21, the transistors MP1, MP2, MP3, and MP4 are on.

[0063] The voltages at nodes N1, N2, and N3 are discharged to terminals PVOUT and PVIN via transistors MP1, MP2, MP3, and MP4 that are on. Therefore, after time t21, voltages VN1, VN2, and VN3 decrease from voltage VH.

[0064] When the voltages VN1 and VN2 decrease and become lower than the sum of the voltage VPS and the threshold voltage of the transistor MNO1 or MNO2, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off, the voltage VOUT decreases.

[0065] At time t22, the transistor MP1 switches from the on state to the off state, which disconnects the node N1 from the node N3, and the voltage VN1 stops decreasing.

[0066] Between time t22 and time t23, voltages VN2, VN3, and VOUT stabilize at voltages lower than voltage VPS. This is because transistors MP2, MP3, and MP4 are on. Specifically, power supply PS charges capacitive load CL via transistor MP2 in the on state, the parasitic diode of transistor MP1, transistor MP3 in the on state, and transistor MP4 in the on state.

[0067] At time t23, transistor MP3 switches from on to off. This disconnects node N2 from node N3, cutting off the path through which power supply PS charges capacitive load CL. As a result, after time t23, voltage VN3 maintains its value, while voltages VN2 and VOUT decrease to 0 V.

[0068] As described above, in the semiconductor device 1a according to the comparative example, which does not perform timing control using a timer, when the power supply PS starts to turn off, a period occurs during which the power supply PS charges the capacitive load CL via the path passing through the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34. During the period during which the power supply PS is charging the capacitive load CL, the voltage VOUT stops decreasing. As a result, it takes a long time for the voltage VOUT to decrease to 0 V.

[0069] In contrast, in the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment, a timer is used to manage the timing of turning on the transistor MP2. The timer switches the transistor MP2 from an off state to an on state after the transistors MP1 and MP3 are turned off. This prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL via the path that passes through the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34. As a result, in the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment, the voltage VOUT drops to 0V without stagnating at a specific voltage. Therefore, in the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment, the time required for the voltage VOUT to drop to 0V is short, and the output voltage can be set to 0V in a short time.

[0070] Furthermore, the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL through the path via the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34. This makes it possible to prevent the circuit from being deteriorated or damaged by the charging current.

[0071] [2] Second embodiment The configuration of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment differs from that of the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the switching circuit and the operation of the control circuit. The following describes the differences between the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0072] [2-1] Configuration [2-1-1] Configuration of semiconductor device 1b 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to the second embodiment. In the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment, the control circuit 10 of the semiconductor device 1 described in the first embodiment is replaced with a control circuit 10b, and the semiconductor device 1b further includes switching circuits 35 and 36.

[0073] The control circuit 10b controls the overall operation of the semiconductor device 1b, switching it between on and off. The control circuit 10b receives a command CMD from outside the semiconductor device 1b via the terminal PEN. The control circuit 10b controls the operation of the charge pump circuit 20 and the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 based on the received command CMD. Specifically, when switching the semiconductor device 1b from off to on, the control circuit 10b connects the switching circuits 31 and 33 and disconnects the switching circuits 32, 34, 35, and 36. When switching the semiconductor device 1b from on to off, the control circuit 10b connects the switching circuits 32, 34, 35, and 36 and disconnects the switching circuits 31 and 33.

[0074] The switching circuit 35 connects or disconnects one end and the other end of the resistor R11 under the control of the control circuit 10b.

[0075] The switching circuit 36 ​​connects or disconnects one end and the other end of the resistor R31 under the control of the control circuit 10b.

[0076] The switching circuit 35 includes transistors MP5 and MN5 and resistors R51, R52, and R53. The transistor MP5 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN5 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0077] The source of transistor MP5 is connected to node N3. The drain of transistor MP5 is connected to the gate of transistor MP1. One end of resistor R51 is connected to node N3. The gate of transistor MP5, the other end of resistor R51, and one end of resistor R52 are connected. The other end of resistor R52, one end of resistor R53, and the drain of transistor MN5 are connected. The other end of resistor R53 is grounded. The source of transistor MN5 is grounded. The gate of transistor MN5 is connected to the control circuit 10.

[0078] The resistance values ​​r51, r52, and r53 are determined so as to satisfy the following equations (5) and (6), respectively.

[0079] |VH×(r51) / (r51+r52+r53)|<|Vth(MP5)| (5) |VDIS×(r51) / (r51+r52)|>|Vth(MP5)| (6) The resistance values ​​of the resistors R51, R52, and R53 are referred to as r51, r52, and r53, respectively.The threshold voltage of the transistor MP5 is referred to as Vth(MP5).

[0080] The switching circuit 36 ​​includes transistors MP6 and MN6 and resistors R61, R62, and R63. The transistor MP6 is a P-channel MOSFET. The transistor MN6 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0081] The source of transistor MP6 is connected to node N3. The drain of transistor MP6 is connected to the gate of transistor MP3. One end of resistor R61 is connected to node N3. The gate of transistor MP6, the other end of resistor R61, and one end of resistor R62 are connected. The other end of resistor R62, one end of resistor R63, and the drain of transistor MN6 are connected. The other end of resistor R63 is grounded. The source of transistor MN6 is grounded. The gate of transistor MN6 is connected to the control circuit 10.

[0082] The resistance values ​​r61, r62, and r63 are determined so as to satisfy the following equations (7) and (8), respectively.

[0083] |VH×(r61) / (r61+r62+r63)|<|Vth(MP6)| (7) |VDIS×(r61) / (r61+r62)|>|Vth(MP6)| (8) The resistance values ​​of the resistors R61, R62, and R63 are referred to as r61, r62, and r63, respectively.The threshold voltage of the transistor MP6 is referred to as Vth(MP6).

[0084] Other configurations of the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] [2-2] Operation The operation of the semiconductor device 1b will be described below. First, the operation of the switching circuits 35 and 36 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] The operation of the switching circuit 35 will now be described. The switching circuit 35 performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In the connection operation of the switching circuit 35, the control circuit 10 applies a high level to the gate of transistor MN5, turning on transistor MN5. Since transistor MN5, which is turned on, shorts out resistor R53, the gate voltage of transistor MP5 becomes the voltage at node N3 divided by resistors R51 and R52. According to the above-mentioned equation (6), if the voltage at node N3 is equal to or higher than voltage VDIS, transistor MP5 is turned on. In this way, in the connection operation of the switching circuit 35, transistor MP5, which is turned on, connects the source and gate of transistor MP1.

[0087] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 35, the control circuit 10 applies a low level to the gate of transistor MN5, turning transistor MN5 off. With transistor MN5 in the off state, the gate voltage of transistor MP5 becomes the voltage at node N3 divided by resistors R51, R52, and R53. According to the above equation (5), if the voltage at node N3 is equal to or lower than voltage VH, transistor MP5 is in the off state. In this way, in the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 35, transistor MP5 in the off state disconnects the source and gate of transistor MP1.

[0088] The operation of the switching circuit 36 ​​will now be described. The switching circuit 36 ​​performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10. In a connection operation of the switching circuit 36, the control circuit 10 applies a high level to the gate of transistor MN6, turning on transistor MN6. Since transistor MN6, which is turned on, shorts out resistor R63, the gate voltage of transistor MP6 becomes the voltage at node N3 divided by resistors R61 and R62. According to the above equation (8), if the voltage at node N3 is equal to or higher than voltage VDIS, transistor MP6 is turned on. In this way, in a connection operation, the switching circuit 36 ​​connects the source and gate of transistor MP3 using transistor MP6, which is turned on.

[0089] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 36, the control circuit 10 applies a low level to the gate of transistor MN6, turning off transistor MN6. With transistor MN6 in the off state, the gate voltage of transistor MP6 becomes equal to the voltage at node N3 divided by resistors R61, R62, and R63. According to equation (7) above, if the voltage at node N3 is equal to or lower than voltage VH, transistor MP6 is in the off state. In this way, in the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 36, transistor MP6 in the off state disconnects the source and gate of transistor MP3.

[0090] The overall operation of the semiconductor device 1b will now be described.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 shows how semiconductor device 1b, which is currently in an ON state, receives an OFF command CMD and switches from ON to OFF. FIG. 5 also shows voltages VN1, VN2, VN3, and VOUT. Voltage VN1 is shown by a fine dashed line, voltage VN2 by a coarse dashed line, voltage VN3 by a dashed-dotted line, and voltage VOUT by a solid line. FIG. 5 also shows whether transistors MP1 to MP6 are in an ON state or an OFF state. The periods during which each transistor is in an ON state are shown by solid lines, and the periods during which each transistor is in an OFF state are shown by dashed lines.

[0092] At time t30, the semiconductor device 1b is performing an ON operation. During the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1b, the control circuit 10b causes the charge pump circuit 20 to output voltage VH. As a result, voltage VN3 becomes voltage VH. Furthermore, during the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1, the control circuit 10b causes the switching circuits 31 and 33 to perform a connection operation and the switching circuits 32, 34, 35, and 36 to perform a disconnection operation. As a result, transistors MP1 and MP3 are turned on, and transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned off. Therefore, nodes N1 and N2 are connected to node N3, respectively, and voltages VN1 and VN2 become voltage VH. Since the voltage of the terminal PVIN is voltage VPS and voltages VN1 and VN2 are voltage VH, transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned on, and voltage VPS is output from terminal PVIN to terminal PVOUT. Therefore, voltage VOUT becomes voltage VPS.

[0093] At time t31, the semiconductor device 1b receives an off-operation command CMD and starts the off-operation. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1b, the control circuit 10b causes the charge pump circuit 20 to stop outputting the voltage VH. In the off-operation of the semiconductor device 1b, the control circuit 10b also causes the switching circuits 31 and 33 to start a disconnection operation and the switching circuits 32, 34, 35, and 36 to start a connection operation.

[0094] When switching circuit 31 starts a disconnecting operation and switching circuit 35 starts a connecting operation, transistor MP1 immediately turns off. Specifically, transistor MP5, which has turned on, shorts the gate and source of transistor MP1, turning transistor MP1 off. Similarly, when switching circuit 33 performs a disconnecting operation and switching circuit 36 ​​performs a connecting operation, transistor MP3 immediately turns off. Specifically, transistor MP6, which has turned on, shorts the gate and source of transistor MP3, turning transistor MP3 off.

[0095] The switching circuits 32 and 34 also start to connect, and the transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned on. Therefore, at time t31, the transistors MP2, MP4, MP5, and MP6 are on.

[0096] The voltage at the node N1 is discharged to the terminal PVIN via the transistor MP2 in the on state. Therefore, after time t31, the voltage VN1 decreases to the voltage VPS.

[0097] The voltage at node N2 is discharged to terminal PVOUT via transistor MP4, which is in the ON state. Therefore, after time t31, voltage VN2 decreases to 0V.

[0098] Since the transistors MP1 and MP3 are in the off state, the voltage VN3 is maintained at the voltage VH.

[0099] When the voltages VN1 and VN2 decrease and become lower than the sum of the voltage VPS and the threshold voltage of the transistor MNO1 or MNO2, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off, the voltage VOUT decreases to 0 V.

[0100] [2-3] Effects According to the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment described above, in the off operation, the output voltage can be set to 0 V in a short time. The effects of the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0101] The semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment includes switching circuits 35 and 36. When the semiconductor device 1b is turned off, the switching circuits 35 and 36 short-circuit the gates and sources of the transistors MP1 and MP4, thereby immediately turning off the transistors MP1 and MP3. This prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL via the path that passes through the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34. As a result, in the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment, the voltage VOUT drops to 0V without stagnating at a specific voltage. Therefore, in the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment, the time required for the voltage VOUT to drop to 0V is short, and the output voltage can be set to 0V in a short time.

[0102] Furthermore, the semiconductor device 1b according to the second embodiment prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL through the path via the switching circuits 31, 32, 33, and 34. This makes it possible to prevent the circuit from being deteriorated or damaged by the charging current.

[0103] [3] Third embodiment The configuration of the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment differs from that of the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the switching circuit and the operation of the control circuit. The following describes the differences between the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0104] [3-1] Configuration [3-1-1] Configuration of semiconductor device 1c 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to the third embodiment. The semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the control circuit 10 of the semiconductor device 1 described in the first embodiment is replaced with a control circuit 10c, and the switching circuit 31 is replaced with a switching circuit 31a.

[0105] The control circuit 10c controls the overall operation of the semiconductor device 1c, switching it between on and off. The control circuit 10c receives a command CMD from outside the semiconductor device 1c via the terminal PEN. The control circuit 10c controls the operation of the charge pump circuit 20 and the switching circuits 31a, 32, 33, and 34 based on the received command CMD. Specifically, when switching the semiconductor device 1c from off to on, the control circuit 10c connects the switching circuits 31a and 33 and disconnects the switching circuits 32 and 34. When switching the semiconductor device 1c from on to off, the control circuit 10c connects the switching circuits 32 and 34 and disconnects the switching circuits 31a and 33.

[0106] The switching circuit 31a connects or disconnects the node N1 and the node N3 under the control of the control circuit 10c.

[0107] The switching circuit 31a includes transistors MP1, MP7, and MN1, a resistor R11, and a current source I1. The transistors MP1 and MP7 are P-channel MOSFETs. The transistor MN1 is an N-channel MOSFET.

[0108] The source of transistor MP1 is connected to node N3. The drain of transistor MP1 is connected to the drain of transistor MP7. The source of transistor MP7 is connected to node N1. One end of resistor R11 is connected to node N3. The gate of transistor MP1, the gate of transistor MP7, the other end of resistor R11, and the drain of transistor MN1 are connected together. The gate of transistor MN1 is connected to control circuit 10c. Current source I1 is connected to supply current from the source of transistor MN1 to ground.

[0109] The resistance value of the resistor R11 and the current value of the current source I1 are determined so that the product of the resistance value of the resistor R11 and the current value of the current source I1 is greater than the threshold voltage of the transistor MP1 or the threshold voltage of the transistor MP7.

[0110] Other configurations of the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the semiconductor device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0111] [3-2] Operation The operation of the semiconductor device 1c will now be described.

[0112] First, still referring to FIG. 6, the operation of the switching circuit 31a will be described. The switching circuit 31a performs a connection operation or a disconnection operation under the control of the control circuit 10c. In the connection operation of the switching circuit 31a, the control circuit 10c applies a high level to the gate of transistor MN1, turning on transistor MN1. Current flows from node N3 to current source I1 via resistor R11 and on-state transistor MN1. This current generates a voltage across resistor R11, turning on transistors MP1 and MP7. In this way, in the connection operation, the switching circuit 31a connects node N1 and node N3 via on-state transistors MP1 and MP7.

[0113] In the disconnection operation of the switching circuit 31a, the control circuit 10c applies a low level to the gate of transistor MN1, turning off transistor MN1. With transistor MN1 in the off state, the current flowing through resistor R11 is cut off, the voltage across resistor R11 disappears, and transistors MP1 and MP7 are turned off. In this way, in the disconnection operation, the switching circuit 31a disconnects node N1 from node N3 with transistors MP1 and MP7 in the off state.

[0114] The overall operation of the semiconductor device 1c will now be described.

[0115] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates how the semiconductor device 1c, currently in an ON state, receives an OFF command CMD and switches from ON to OFF. FIG. 7 shows voltages VN1, VN2, VN3, and VOUT. Voltage VN1 is indicated by a fine dashed line, voltage VN2 by a coarse dashed line, voltage VN3 by a dashed-dotted line, and voltage VOUT by a solid line. FIG. 7 also illustrates whether transistors MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, and MP7 are in an ON or OFF state. The periods during which each transistor is in an ON state are indicated by solid lines, and the periods during which each transistor is in an OFF state are indicated by dashed lines.

[0116] At time t40, the semiconductor device 1c is performing an ON operation. During the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1c, the control circuit 10c causes the charge pump circuit 20 to output voltage VH. As a result, voltage VN3 becomes voltage VH. Furthermore, during the ON operation of the semiconductor device 1c, the control circuit 10c causes the switching circuits 31a and 33 to perform a connection operation and the switching circuits 32 and 34 to perform a disconnection operation. As a result, transistors MP1, MP7, and MP3 are turned on, and transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned off. Therefore, nodes N1 and N2 are connected to node N3, respectively, and voltages VN1 and VN2 become voltage VH. Since the voltage of the terminal PVIN is voltage VPS and voltages VN1 and VN2 are voltage VH, transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned on, and voltage VPS is output from terminal PVIN to terminal PVOUT. Therefore, voltage VOUT becomes voltage VPS.

[0117] At time t41, the semiconductor device 1c receives the command CMD for turning off and executes the off operation. In the off operation of the semiconductor device 1c, the control circuit 10c causes the charge pump circuit 20 to stop outputting the voltage VH. In the off operation of the semiconductor device 1c, the control circuit 10c also causes the switching circuits 31a and 33 to start a disconnection operation and the switching circuits 32 and 34 to start a connection operation.

[0118] As in the semiconductor device 1, in the semiconductor device 1c, even after the switching circuits 31a and 33 start the disconnection operation, the transistors MP1, MP7, and MP3 maintain the on state for a while.

[0119] The switching circuits 32 and 34 start to connect, and the transistors MP2 and MP4 are turned on. Therefore, at time t41, the transistors MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, and MP7 are turned on.

[0120] The voltages at nodes N1, N2, and N3 are discharged to terminals PVOUT and PVIN via transistors MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, and MP7 that are in the on state. Therefore, after time t41, voltages VN1, VN2, and VN3 decrease from voltage VH.

[0121] When the voltages VN1 and VN2 decrease and become lower than the sum of the voltage VPS and the threshold voltage of the transistor MNO1 or MNO2, the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off. When the transistors MNO1 and MNO2 are turned off, the voltage VOUT decreases.

[0122] At time t42, transistors MP1 and MP7 switch from the on state to the off state. This disconnects node N1 from node N3. Because the parasitic diodes of transistors MP1 and MP7 are connected in opposite directions, no current flows through the parasitic diodes of transistors MP1 and MP7.

[0123] At time t43, transistor MP3 switches from the on state to the off state. This disconnects node N3 from node N2, and the voltage VN3 stops decreasing. Thereafter, voltage VN3 maintains its value, while voltages VN2 and VOUT decrease to 0 V.

[0124] [3-3] Effects According to the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment described above, the output voltage can be set to 0 V in a short time during the off operation. The effects of the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0125] The semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment includes a switching circuit 31a. Transistors MP1 and MP7, which are connected in series so that their parasitic diodes are reversed, prevent current from flowing through these parasitic diodes. This prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL through the path via the switching circuits 31a, 32, 33, and 34. As a result, in the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment, the voltage VOUT drops to 0V without stagnating at a specific voltage. Therefore, in the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment, the time required for the voltage VOUT to drop to 0V is short, and the output voltage can be reduced to 0V in a short time.

[0126] Furthermore, the semiconductor device 1c according to the third embodiment prevents the power supply PS from charging the capacitive load CL through the path that passes through the switching circuits 31a, 32, 33, and 34. This makes it possible to prevent the circuit from being deteriorated or damaged by the charging current.

[0127] [4] Modifications, etc. In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a semiconductor device serving as a load switch is configured on a single IC chip. The load switch may be configured by combining multiple components, such as a gate driver IC chip and a transistor package. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a semiconductor device according to a modified example. The semiconductor device 1d is a load switch that supplies power to a load. The semiconductor device 1d includes the semiconductor device 100 and transistors MNO1a and MNO2a.

[0128] The semiconductor device 100 is a gate driver that drives the gates of transistors MNO1a and MNO2a. The semiconductor device 100 is, for example, an IC chip. The semiconductor device 100 does not include transistors MNO1 and MNO2 as compared to the semiconductor device 1 described in the first embodiment, but further includes terminals PN1 and PN2. The terminals PN1 and PN2 are output terminals of the semiconductor device 100. The terminal PN1 is connected to a node N1. The terminal PN2 is connected to a node N2. The other configurations of the semiconductor device 100 are the same as those of the semiconductor device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0129] The transistors MNO1a and MNO2a are each an N-channel MOSFET. The transistors MNO1a and MNO2a are, for example, semiconductor elements packaged independently of the semiconductor device 100. The source of the transistor MNO1a is connected to the terminal PVIN. The gate of the transistor MNO1a is connected to the terminal PN1. The drain of the transistor MNO2a is connected to the drain of the transistor MNO1a. The source of the transistor MNO2a is connected to the terminal PVOUT. The gate of the transistor MNO2a is connected to the terminal PN2.

[0130] In this way, even when the load switch is configured by combining a plurality of components, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the load to which the semiconductor device supplies power includes a capacitive load and a resistive load. The configuration of the load to which the semiconductor device supplies power is not limited to the example shown in the above embodiment. The load to which the semiconductor device supplies power may be, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone, or a battery charging device.

[0132] In this specification, the "first end of the switch element" corresponds to the source or drain of the MOSFET, and the "second end of the switch element" corresponds to the drain or source of the MOSFET.

[0133] In this specification, "connected" means electrically connected, and does not exclude, for example, the presence of another element between them. Also, "electrically connected" may be via an insulator, as long as it can operate in the same way as an electrically connected transistor. Also, in this specification, "on state" means that a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage of the corresponding transistor is applied to the gate of the corresponding transistor. "off state" means that a voltage less than the threshold voltage of the corresponding transistor is applied to the gate of the corresponding transistor, and does not exclude the flow of a small current, such as a transistor leakage current.

[0134] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 100... semiconductor device, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c... control circuit, 20... charge pump circuit, 31, 31a, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36... switching circuit, CL... capacitive load, I1, I3... current source, MN1, MN2, MN3, MN4, MN5, MN6, MNO1, MNO1a, MNO2, MNO2a, MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MP5, MP6, MP7... transistor, PEN, PN1, PN2, PVIN, PVOUT... terminal, PS... power supply, R11, R21, R22, R23, R31, R41, R42, R43, R51, R52, R53, R61, R62, R63... resistor, RL... resistive load.

Claims

1. A first terminal; A second terminal; a first transistor having a first end connected to a first node and a second end connected to the first terminal; a second transistor having a first end connected to a second node and a second end connected to the second terminal; a third transistor having a first end connected to a third node to which a first voltage is supplied and a second end connected to the first node; a fourth transistor having a first end connected to the third node and a second end connected to the second node; a control circuit that controls the first transistor, the second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor; Equipped with the control circuit, when the supply of the first voltage to the third node is stopped, changes the second transistor from an off state to an on state, changes the third transistor and the fourth transistor from an on state to an off state, and, after a first period has elapsed, changes the first transistor from an off state to an on state; Semiconductor device.

2. a first N-type transistor having a first end connected to the first terminal and a gate connected to the first node; a second N-type transistor having a first end connected to the second terminal, a second end connected to the second end of the first N-type transistor, and a gate connected to the second node; The semiconductor device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a third terminal connected to the first node; a fourth terminal connected to the second node; The semiconductor device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. further comprising a charge pump circuit configured to generate the first voltage and output the generated first voltage to the third node; The semiconductor device according to claim 1 .

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