Bias Voltage Generation Circuit for Breakdown Voltage Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor storage devices, the power source voltage supplied from a host to a memory controller does not always match the element breakdown voltage, leading to potential excessive loads on elements, which existing voltage generation circuits cannot reliably protect against due to varying constraint conditions.

Innovation Solution

A voltage generation circuit that includes a voltage dividing circuit, a bias circuit, and a power source switching control circuit to manage power source voltage, ensuring that bias voltages do not exceed element breakdown voltages by dynamically controlling the flow of electricity based on the supplied voltage, thereby protecting elements from excessive loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage generation circuit is designed to generate bias voltage matching element breakdown voltage, then element protection is improved, but the circuit cannot adapt to varying power source voltage conditions from the host

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement protectionVSAvoidpower source voltage adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage generation circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the supplied power source voltage. When the host supplies voltage matching element breakdown voltage, the circuit operates in a first mode to generate appropriate bias voltages. When the host supplies voltage exceeding element breakdown voltage, the circuit switches to a second mode to prevent excessive voltage application, thus adapting to varying voltage conditions while maintaining element protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes its operational parameters based on the input voltage condition. It monitors the power source voltage from the host and adjusts its voltage generation parameters accordingly - using one set of parameters when voltage matches element breakdown voltage, and another set when voltage exceeds it, enabling both protection and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the circuit always connects power source line to voltage dividing circuit, then voltage generation is simplified, but elements may receive excessive voltage when host supplies voltage exceeding breakdown voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidexcessive voltage application
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection configuration between the power source line and voltage dividing circuit is dynamically changed based on voltage conditions. A switching mechanism adjusts the connection state - connecting the power source line to the voltage dividing circuit when host voltage matches element breakdown voltage, and disconnecting or rerouting it when host voltage exceeds breakdown voltage, thus preventing harmful voltage application while managing complexity through controlled switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the circuit uses a fixed voltage generation mode, then circuit operation is simplified, but it cannot protect elements under different constraint conditions such as power state variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit operationVSAvoidelement protection under constraint conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage generation circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle different constraint conditions. It incorporates multiple operational modes within a single circuit architecture - a first voltage generation mode for when host voltage matches element breakdown voltage, and a second voltage generation mode for when host voltage exceeds breakdown voltage or during different power states, enabling universal protection across varying conditions while maintaining reasonable operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 circuit effectively protects elements by generating appropriate bias voltages and preventing excessive voltage application, ensuring reliable operation under different constraint conditions, including when power source voltage exceeds or matches element breakdown voltage.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage dividing circuit configured to generate first bias voltage of a first voltage value and second bias voltage of a second voltage value by dividing applied voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12013712B2Voltage generation circuit and semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 KIOXIA CORP
  • US12013712B2 patent drawing
  • US12013712B2 patent drawing
  • US12013712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A voltage generation circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit configured to divide applied voltage; a bias circuit configured to generate voltage by dividing power source voltage supplied through a first input terminal; and a power source switching control circuit configured to perform first processing of preventing voltage supply from a power source line to the voltage dividing circuit, connecting the power source line to a first output terminal, and connecting a ground to a second output terminal, second processing of connecting the power source line and the ground to the voltage dividing circuit, and third processing of obtaining voltage through the voltage dividing circuit by supplying voltage generated by the bias circuit to the first output terminal and supplying the voltage generated by the bias circuit to the voltage dividing circuit.