Bias Current Generator Circuit with Internal Supply Compensation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory sub-systems face challenges in reducing supply voltage sensitivity of bias current generator circuitry, leading to variations in output current that can cause overheating or insufficient power supply, necessitating additional space for voltage regulators or compensation circuits, which reduces space for other functions.

Innovation Solution

Generating a second bias current to apply to the primary bias current generated by the bias current generator circuitry, reducing supply voltage sensitivity and minimizing space occupancy within the memory sub-system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage regulators or compensation circuits are added to reduce supply voltage sensitivity, then output current stability is improved, but device complexity and space occupancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput current stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bias current generator circuitry generates its own compensation current internally using transistors and resistors that are already part of the circuit. The circuit uses its own resources (power supply, existing components) to create a compensation current that automatically counteracts the supply voltage sensitivity, eliminating the need for external voltage regulators or separate compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the bias current generation function and the supply voltage compensation function into a single integrated circuitry. By merging these two functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate voltage regulators or compensation circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupancy while maintaining output current stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If voltage regulators or compensation circuits are added to reduce supply voltage sensitivity, then output current stability is improved, but space occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput current stabilityVSAvoidspace occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bias current generator circuitry generates its own compensation current internally using transistors and resistors that are already part of the circuit. The circuit uses its own resources (power supply, existing components) to create a compensation current that automatically counteracts the supply voltage sensitivity, eliminating the need for external voltage regulators or separate compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the bias current generation function and the supply voltage compensation function into a single integrated circuitry. By merging these two functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate voltage regulators or compensation circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupancy while maintaining output current stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If supply voltage sensitivity is not reduced, then device complexity is minimized, but harmful effects such as overheating and insufficient power supply occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidoverheating and power supply issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bias current generator circuitry generates its own compensation current internally using transistors and resistors that are already part of the circuit. The circuit uses its own resources (power supply, existing components) to create a compensation current that automatically counteracts the supply voltage sensitivity, eliminating the need for external voltage regulators or separate compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of supply voltage sensitivity into a beneficial self-regulating mechanism. By using the supply voltage variations themselves to control the compensation current through the transistor-resistor network, the circuit automatically counteracts the harmful effects without requiring external intervention, thus eliminating overheating and power supply issues while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11355164B2Bias current generator circuitry

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A supply voltage sensitivity of an output current of a bias current generator circuit is reduced. The bias current generator includes a plurality of transistors and a plurality of resistors coupled to the plurality of transistors. The supply voltage sensitivity of the output current of the bias current generator circuit is reduced by applying a second bias current generated by the bias current generator circuit to a first bias current generated by the bias current generator circuit.