Boosted Signal Generation Using Normal Activation Levels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices rely on boosted voltage to generate signals, which limits their operational reliability and increases complexity, especially in image sensing applications where integrated circuits require both analog and digital control.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that generates a boosted signal using a combination of drivers, boosters, and blockers, where signals with normal activation levels are used to create a boosted output signal, reducing the need for a voltage generator and simplifying the circuitry, while considering parasitic capacitance to optimize voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage generator is used to generate boosted voltage for signal generation, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the device area occupancy increases and circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice area occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the voltage generator component from the circuit by using a different approach - generating boosted signals through capacitor charging/discharging operations controlled by switch arrays, rather than using a dedicated voltage generation circuit. This eliminates the need for a separate voltage generator while maintaining signal generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the switch array and capacitor serve multiple functions - they not only perform signal routing and control but also generate the boosted signals themselves. The same components used for normal signal switching are utilized to create boosted signals by controlling charge transfer, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated voltage generation hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a voltage generator is used to generate boosted voltage, then the signal generation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal generation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switch array and capacitor serve multiple functions - they not only perform signal routing and control but also generate the boosted signals themselves. The same components used for normal signal switching are utilized to create boosted signals by controlling charge transfer, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated voltage generation hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the signal routing function and the signal generation function into a single integrated system. The switch array and capacitor that were previously used only for signal switching are now combined with charge transfer control to simultaneously perform both routing and boosted signal generation, reducing overall circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If boosted voltage is used for signal generation, then the operational reliability is improved, but the need for additional components increases device area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the voltage generator component from the circuit by using a different approach - generating boosted signals through capacitor charging/discharging operations controlled by switch arrays, rather than using a dedicated voltage generation circuit. This eliminates the need for a separate voltage generator while maintaining signal generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the existing switch array and capacitor to serve themselves by having them perform both their original signal routing function and the additional function of generating boosted signals. The components use their own structure and operation to create the boosted signals needed, without requiring external dedicated hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach allows for the generation of boosted signals without a voltage generator, reducing the device's area occupancy and enhancing operational reliability by using a simple circuit, specifically beneficial for image sensing devices like CMOS image sensors.

Implementation Method 1

The first booster may include a capacitor, capacitance of which is set in consideration of parasitic capacitance of a load coupled to the output node.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10868986B2Electronic device for generating a boosted signal by using signals with normal activation levels instead of a supply voltage

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first driver suitable for driving an output node with a first voltage based on an activation control signal for a first driving period, a second driver suitable for driving the output node with a second voltage based on a deactivation control signal for a second driving period, a first booster suitable for boosting voltage of the output node based on an output boost signal for a first boost period, a third driver suitable for driving a control node with a second blocking control signal based on a first blocking control signal for a third driving period, and a blocker suitable for selectively blocking between the first driver and the output node based on a control voltage applied to the control node.