Bi-directional Charge Pump for Simultaneous Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bi-directional charge pumps in flash memory devices require separate devices for positive and negative voltage generation, consuming physical area and not capable of generating both voltages simultaneously, limiting their efficiency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional charge pump design utilizing a diode circuit and deep N-well switches that allows the same charge pump to function as both a positive and negative pump, or generate both voltages simultaneously, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing physical area requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate positive and negative pumps are used, then voltage generation capability is improved, but physical area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate positive and negative pump circuits into a single integrated bi-directional charge pump. The circuit uses complementary transistor pairs (PMOS and NMOS) arranged in pump stages that can operate in either positive or negative voltage generation mode, eliminating the need for separate pump devices and reducing physical area while maintaining full voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional charge pump is designed as a universal circuit that can perform multiple functions: generating positive voltages, generating negative voltages, and potentially both simultaneously. The circuit achieves this through configurable switch elements and complementary transistor structures that can be controlled to direct charge pumping in either direction, making one device replace multiple specialized devices.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional bi-directional charge pump is used, then physical area is reduced, but simultaneous voltage generation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump is divided into multiple independent pump stages, each capable of operating autonomously. The circuit includes separate positive pump stages and negative pump stages that can be independently controlled through switch elements. This segmentation allows different stages to operate simultaneously in different modes, enabling the generation of both positive and negative voltages at the same time while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate positive and negative pumps are used, then voltage magnitude control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit controls voltage magnitude by changing operational parameters such as the number of active pump stages, the switching frequency, and the control signal characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the circuit can precisely control the output voltage magnitude for both positive and negative outputs without requiring separate hardware for each voltage level, thereby managing complexity through software/control-based parameter adjustment rather than hardware proliferation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a first voltage at a first input circuit of a bi-directional charge pump circuit, selectively turning on a first switch of a switching circuit that is coupled electrically to a deep N-well transistor of a first set of one or more intermediate pump stages that are coupled between the first input circuit and a first output circuit, and providing a third voltage from the first output circuit in response to receiving a second voltage at an input of a first diode of the output circuit from the first set of the one or more intermediate pump stages.