Adaptive Regulator for Idle State in Charge Pump Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face issues with undesirable switching disturbances due to sudden voltage changes when transitioning between read and write or erase operations in memory cells, which can damage components or degrade performance.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive voltage generator is introduced to maintain equal voltage levels on nodes during switching operations, using a combination of charge pumps, regulators, and multiplexers to manage voltage levels, allowing for a controlled transition between idle and high voltage states, thereby reducing disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If charge pumps are used to generate high voltage signals for memory operations, then voltage levels above supply voltage can be achieved, but sudden voltage changes during switching operations cause undesirable disturbances that can damage components or degrade performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing an idle voltage state before actual high voltage operations. The charge pump is pre-configured to maintain an idle voltage level on the high voltage line during read operations, preventing sudden voltage transitions when switching between read and write/erase modes. This preparatory voltage state eliminates the harmful switching disturbances that would otherwise occur during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the charge pump regulator adaptive and configurable between different operating modes. The regulator can dynamically switch between providing high voltage for write/erase operations and maintaining idle voltage for read operations. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize voltage levels based on the current operational mode, preventing voltage disturbances while maintaining the ability to generate high voltages when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage signals are suddenly switched during read-while-write operations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but voltage disturbances occur that can damage components or degrade performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing an idle voltage state in advance on the high voltage line before write or erase operations begin. This pre-configured voltage state ensures that when switching between read and write/erase modes, no sudden voltage transitions occur, thereby protecting components from voltage disturbances while maintaining the ability to perform read-while-write operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the idle voltage state as an intermediary condition between read and write/erase operations. This intermediate voltage level acts as a buffer that prevents direct, sudden transitions between different voltage states. The idle voltage serves as a mediating state that maintains component safety while allowing operational flexibility for read-while-write sequences.
3Measurement precision
If pulse-skip or linear regulation is used to control charge pump output voltage, then voltage regulation can be achieved, but switching disturbances still occur during transitions between operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the voltage regulation adaptive to operational modes. The regulator dynamically adjusts its behavior based on whether the device is in read mode or write/erase mode. During read operations, the regulator maintains idle voltage; during write/erase operations, it provides high voltage. This dynamic adaptation allows precise voltage regulation while eliminating switching disturbances that would occur with fixed regulation schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by configuring the charge pump regulator to operate at different voltage levels depending on the operational mode. The regulator parameter (output voltage level) changes from idle voltage during read operations to high voltage during write/erase operations. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain precise voltage control while preventing harmful switching disturbances through the idle voltage state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive voltage generator effectively minimizes voltage disturbances, ensuring robust read-while-write operations by maintaining stable voltage levels during transitions, preventing damage and degradation, and enhancing the overall performance of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Charge pumps are switched capacitor circuits which can provide a voltage level to a capacitive load up to (N+1)*Vdd
Implementation Method 2
An adaptive voltage generator is introduced to maintain equal voltage levels on nodes during switching operations
Implementation Method 3
in order to modify non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, a high voltage level signal is needed for providing Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for improving the performance of an electronic device is disclosed. An idle voltage state is introduced by an adaptive voltage generator when providing or removing a high voltage signal from a line or a node in a circuit. The idle state reduces the undesirable effects of switching disturbances caused by sudden voltage changes in a line or node.