Charge Pump Voltage Regulation via Capacitive Attenuation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pumps struggle to generate high voltage signals with precise slew rates, which can damage non-volatile memory if too rapid or cause malfunction if too slow, necessitating a method for generating discrete high voltage values.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage generation system incorporating a charge pump with a voltage regulator that includes a capacitive attenuator, comparator, and buffer to regulate the output voltage by comparing the attenuated signal with a reference voltage and adjusting the input to the charge pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the slew rate increases at a high pace, then the high voltage signal is generated faster, but the non-volatile memory can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the output voltage of the charge pump is continuously monitored and fed back to the control logic. The control logic adjusts the switching of capacitors based on the feedback signal to maintain the output voltage within safe limits, preventing memory damage while achieving fast voltage generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic switching of capacitors in the charge pump circuit, where the configuration of capacitors changes over time to control the voltage output. This dynamic reconfiguration allows precise control of the slew rate, enabling fast voltage generation while preventing excessive voltage that could damage memory.
2Speed
If the slew rate decreases at a low pace, then the high voltage signal is generated slower, but the non-volatile memory can malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism continuously monitors the output voltage and adjusts the capacitor switching to ensure the voltage reaches the required level within the appropriate time frame. This prevents overly slow voltage generation that would cause memory malfunction while avoiding excessively fast generation that could damage memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameters of the capacitor network dynamically, adjusting the number and arrangement of active capacitors to control the charging rate. This allows precise control of the voltage rise time, ensuring it is fast enough for proper memory operation but slow enough to prevent damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a voltage regulator is added to control the charge pump output, then the target voltage is attained at correct slew rate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic circuit performs multiple functions: it controls the switching of capacitors, monitors the output voltage, and adjusts the charging rate dynamically. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the patent achieves precise voltage control without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voltage regulation function with the charge pump control logic, merging the regulator components with the existing pump circuitry. This integration reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate, independent regulator and charge pump circuits.
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 system effectively generates discrete high voltage values, ensuring the slew rate is controlled, thereby preventing damage to non-volatile memory while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage regulator includes a capacitive attenuator in electrical communication with the output voltage node
Implementation Method 2
The charge pump uses capacitive charge storage for developing high voltage signals
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage regulation in charge pumps. A high voltage generation system includes a charge pump having an output voltage node and a regulated input voltage node. The high voltage generation system also includes a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator includes a capacitive attenuator in electrical communication with the output voltage node. The voltage regulator also includes a comparator in electrical communication with the capacitive attenuator and with a reference voltage source. The voltage regulator further includes a buffer in electrical communication between the comparator and the regulated input voltage node.