Adaptive Charge Pump Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pump configurations in CMOS integrated circuits (ICs) fail to adjust the voltage generated by the charge pump in response to increasing external power supply voltages, leading to a violation of process limits and potential damage to the IC when the voltage differential exceeds the maximum allowed by the fabrication process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive charge pumps that adjust the output voltage based on a threshold level, limiting the voltage generated to prevent exceeding the process limits, ensuring the IC operates within safe voltage ranges by toggling the clock signal and using controllers to manage the voltage levels of the positive and negative voltage rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charge pump generates higher output voltage to extend operating range, then the dynamic operating voltage range is improved, but the voltage differential may exceed process limits causing potential damage to the IC
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump is designed with adaptive voltage generation capability that dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on the external power supply voltage level. The system transitions from a static voltage generation approach to a dynamic one where the charge pump output scales with the input voltage, enabling the IC to adapt to varying power supply conditions while staying within safe operating limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the external power supply voltage is monitored and used to control the charge pump operation. The charge pump output voltage is regulated based on feedback from the input voltage level, ensuring that the voltage differential across the IC remains within process limits while maximizing the operating range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the charge pump operates without voltage adjustment capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the IC cannot operate safely across wide power supply voltage ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump system is designed to self-regulate its output voltage based on the input voltage level without requiring complex external control circuitry. The system uses the input voltage itself as a reference to control the charge pump operation, allowing it to automatically adapt to different power supply conditions while maintaining simplicity in the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adaptively controlling a charge pump including coupling the charge pump to a control node, toggling a clock input between supply voltage levels to charge an a charge pump output, monitoring the charge pump output, maintaining the control node at a supply voltage level when a supply voltage magnitude does not exceed a threshold level, and adjusting the control node to maintain the charge pump output at a limit level when the supply voltage magnitude exceeds the threshold level. A positive charge pump embodiment charges the output to twice the positive supply voltage up to no more than a limit level. A negative charge pump embodiment charges the output to the same magnitude with opposite polarity as the positive supply voltage, and decreases the output magnitude if the positive supply voltage is above the threshold level. A Zener diode and controlled current mirror may be used for control.