Charge Pump Activation Control for Stable Memory Supply Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage generation circuits in semiconductor memory devices face challenges in maintaining stable output voltage while minimizing area and current consumption, leading to fluctuations that can cause defective operations.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generation circuit with multiple charge pumps and a state control circuit that adjusts the number of active charge pumps based on specific periods, controlling the boost operations to maintain output voltage stability without increasing circuit complexity or current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of charge pumps is increased to reduce output voltage fluctuations, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the circuit area and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of charge pump operations by adjusting the number of active charge pumps based on real-time output voltage conditions. The control circuit monitors output voltage and dynamically enables or disables charge pumps to match the actual power demand, preventing both voltage fluctuations and unnecessary resource consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (number of active charge pumps) based on system conditions. By monitoring output voltage and adjusting the count of active charge pumps accordingly, the system optimizes between stability and resource usage. When voltage fluctuations are detected, more charge pumps are activated; when stable, fewer are needed, thus changing parameters to resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If the number of charge pumps is increased to reduce output voltage fluctuations, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active charge pumps based on real-time output voltage monitoring. When voltage stability is achieved, fewer charge pumps remain active, reducing current consumption. When fluctuations occur, additional charge pumps are activated to restore stability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting energy usage to actual system needs rather than maintaining constant high consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage generation circuit performs self-regulation by monitoring its own output voltage and automatically adjusting charge pump operations. The control circuit detects voltage conditions and autonomously enables or disables charge pumps without external intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize between stability and energy consumption based on its own operational state.
3Reliability
If multiple charge pumps are always active to prevent voltage fluctuations, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically manages charge pump operations based on monitored voltage conditions. Rather than permanently configuring all charge pumps to be active or inactive, the system adapts the number of active pumps in real-time based on actual voltage stability needs. This dynamic approach simplifies control logic compared to complex predictive models while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the charge pump operations are dynamically adjusted based on voltage conditions, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring output voltage and using this information to adjust charge pump operations. The monitored voltage serves as feedback that drives the control decisions, enabling the system to automatically correct deviations and maintain stability. This feedback mechanism provides a straightforward control approach that balances complexity with effectiveness.
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 configuration effectively reduces output voltage fluctuations, preventing defective operations and maintaining reliability by dynamically managing the number of active charge pumps in response to load currents, thus stabilizing the output voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of charge pumps CP1 to CP4 which have an input terminal and an output terminal connected to a node NOUT
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation circuit includes a plurality of charge pumps connected to a first node, and a control circuit that controls the number of active charge pumps among the plurality of charge pumps based on a period in which a voltage of the first node satisfies a condition.