Bias Voltage Generation Circuit for Breakdown-Safe Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor storage devices face challenges in protecting elements from excessive loads due to mismatched power source voltages and varying power states, leading to potential element breakdown.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generation circuit that includes a voltage dividing circuit, bias circuit, and power source switching control circuit to generate and regulate bias voltages, ensuring they do not exceed element breakdown voltages, and provides paths for electricity conduction or cutoff based on power source constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power source voltage is supplied from host to memory controller, then power consumption is reduced, but element breakdown may occur due to voltage mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage generation circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the host interface and memory elements. This circuit receives power source voltage from the host and generates appropriate bias voltages for memory elements, preventing direct voltage mismatch damage while maintaining low power consumption operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage generation circuit dynamically adjusts bias voltage parameters based on the power source voltage level and memory operation state. By changing voltage parameters adaptively, the circuit protects elements from excessive voltage while enabling efficient low-voltage operation when appropriate.
2Reliability
If voltage generation circuit generates bias voltage based on element breakdown voltage, then element protection is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation circuit is segmented into multiple functional blocks: a voltage dividing circuit for generating initial bias voltages, a control circuit for detecting power source voltage levels, and switching circuits for selecting appropriate voltage paths. This segmentation makes the complex protection function more manageable and implementable.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs preliminary voltage generation and regulation before power is fully supplied to memory elements. By pre-establishing appropriate bias voltages through the voltage dividing circuit and control logic, the system ensures elements are protected from voltage spikes during power transitions.
3Reliability
If voltage dividing circuit is used to generate bias voltages, then element breakdown protection is improved, but voltage regulation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors the generated bias voltages and power source voltage levels, using this feedback information to adjust switching decisions. This feedback mechanism compensates for the inherent imprecision of voltage dividing circuits, maintaining adequate voltage regulation while preserving breakdown protection 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 and regulating bias voltages within safe limits, ensuring reliable operation under varying power source conditions, including when power is off or exceeds expected levels.
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
Implementation Method 2
a bias circuit configured to generate voltage by dividing power source voltage supplied through a first input terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit, a first current path, a second current path, a first output terminal, a second output terminal, and a switching circuit. The first current path is in parallel with the voltage dividing circuit between a first node connected to a power source line and a second node. The second current path is in parallel with the voltage dividing circuit between a third node and a fourth node. The first output terminal is connected to the second node. The second output terminal is connected to the third node. The switching circuit is configured to switch connection of the first current path and the second current path. The first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node are connected in series in the voltage dividing circuit.