Bulk Voltage Generator With Bandgap Tracking for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk voltage generation circuits in electronic devices fail to effectively mitigate leakage current across various process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions, leading to increased power consumption and performance issues due to constant voltage techniques that do not adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bulk voltage generation circuit that tracks bandgap current using an operational amplifier to dynamically adjust the bulk voltage, mirroring the bandgap current and varying the bulk voltage based on the relationship between the leakage current and the bandgap current to reduce leakage current magnitude across PVT variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a constant bulk voltage is applied to the bulk terminals, then the threshold voltage of transistors is adjusted to reduce leakage current, but the leakage current magnitude varies under different PVT conditions reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk voltage is changed from a constant fixed value to a dynamic value that varies with PVT conditions. The circuit continuously adjusts the bulk voltage based on real-time detection of process, voltage, and temperature variations, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain effective leakage current suppression across all operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements a feedback mechanism where the actual leakage current or PVT conditions are monitored and used to adjust the bulk voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the bulk voltage remains optimized for leakage reduction regardless of variations in process, voltage, or temperature conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bulk voltage is dynamically adjusted to track leakage current variations, then adaptability to PVT conditions is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit exploits natural parameter relationships within the transistor system, using the existing dependence of leakage current on PVT parameters to drive the bulk voltage adjustment. By changing the bulk voltage in response to detected PVT variations rather than directly tracking leakage current, the circuit achieves adaptability through parameter coupling rather than complex direct measurement and control.
3Loss of energy
If transistors are reverse biased by increasing threshold voltage, then leakage current is reduced, but power consumption increases due to continuous voltage adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk voltage adjustment is implemented as a periodic or event-driven process rather than continuous adjustment. The circuit monitors PVT conditions and updates the bulk voltage only when significant changes are detected, reducing the power consumption associated with continuous voltage modulation while maintaining effective leakage current suppression during critical operating transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices are provided for tracking bandgap current generated by a bandgap circuit and mitigation of leakage current regardless of variations in PVT conditions. An apparatus may include one or more power amplifiers that powers components of the apparatus and comprising a transistor. The apparatus may also include bandgap current mirroring circuitry that generates a mirrored current that mirrors a received current that is process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) independent. The apparatus may also include a bulk voltage generator circuit including an amplifier having an input coupled to the bandgap current mirroring circuitry. Bulk voltage control circuitry is coupled to an output of the amplifier and generates a bulk voltage based on the relationship between the mirrored current and the leakage current.