Charge Pump Circuit Voltage Ripple Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in generating stable voltages for miniaturized integrated circuits, particularly in mobile devices, where existing charge pump circuits are inefficient and prone to voltage ripples, affecting power efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump circuit and voltage converter design that utilizes external power supplies and reference voltages, incorporating switching elements and capacitors to transfer and charge voltages, with feedback mechanisms to stabilize output voltages and improve power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charge pump circuits are used for voltage generation, then the circuit can be implemented, but voltage ripples occur and power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit is divided into multiple independent pumping units (first charge pump unit, second charge pump unit, third charge pump unit) that operate in parallel. Each unit has its own switching elements and capacitors, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables the circuit to maintain stable voltage output while reducing ripple effects, as the units can be staggered in their charging and pumping cycles, thereby improving both voltage stability and power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pumping units are configured with different capacitance values (e.g., first pumping unit with capacitor C1, second pumping unit with capacitor C2 where C2 > C1). This local differentiation in component characteristics allows each unit to contribute differently to the overall voltage generation, optimizing the balance between voltage stability and power consumption. The varied local properties reduce ripple while maintaining efficiency.
2Reliability
If the number of switching elements and capacitors is increased to reduce voltage ripples, then voltage stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into modular pumping units that can be systematically expanded. Each unit follows a standardized configuration with switching elements (e.g., SW1-SW4 in the first unit, SW5-SW8 in the second unit) and capacitors, making the complexity manageable and predictable. This modular approach allows voltage stability to be improved by adding units without creating chaotic circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements in different pumping units are controlled with phase-differentiated clock signals (e.g., first clock signal for first unit, second clock signal for second unit with different phase). This periodic, staggered operation reduces voltage ripple while maintaining a regular, predictable switching pattern that simplifies control logic and reduces the need for complex coordination circuits.
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is pursued for mobile devices, then device size decreases, but the ability to generate stable voltages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple pumping units operating in parallel with phase-differentiated switching, effectively utilizing the time dimension through staggered operation cycles. This allows the circuit to achieve stable voltage output in a compact form factor, as the temporal distribution of charging and pumping operations compensates for the reduced spatial capacity of miniaturized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pumping unit is designed as a universal module that can be replicated and configured with different capacitance values to meet various voltage stability requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same basic circuit topology to serve both miniaturization goals and voltage stability requirements by simply adjusting the number and capacitance values of the units rather than redesigning the entire circuit.
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
The solution provides stable and efficient voltage generation for semiconductor integrated circuits, minimizing voltage ripples and improving power efficiency by using a combination of switching signals and feedback circuits to adjust reference voltages based on output terminal voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit including a first capacitor and a first group of switching elements and controlling the first group of switching elements according to first and second switching signals to transfer a voltage charged in the first capacitor to a target terminal during a first period and to charge the first capacitor with a reference voltage applied to a first input terminal during a second period
Implementation Method 2
a second circuit including a second capacitor, a third capacitor connected between an output terminal and a ground terminal and a second group of switching elements and controlling the second group of switching elements according to the first and second switching signals to connect a first terminal of the second capacitor to the ground terminal during the first period, connect the first terminal of the second capacitor to a power supply voltage input terminal during the second period
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating a voltage required for a semiconductor device by using a voltage supplied from an external power supply is provided. A charge pump circuit includes a first circuit comprising a first capacitor and a first group of switching elements and controlling the first group of switching elements according to first and second switching signals to transfer a voltage charged in the first capacitor to a target terminal during a first period and to charge the first capacitor with a reference voltage applied to a first input terminal of the first capacitor during a second period, and a second circuit comprising a second capacitor, a third capacitor connected between an output terminal and a ground terminal and a second group of switching elements, and controlling the second group of switching elements according to the first and second switching signals to connect a first terminal of the second capacitor to the ground terminal during the first period, connect the first terminal of the second capacitor to a power supply voltage input terminal during the second period, connect a second terminal of the second capacitor to the power supply voltage input terminal when a voltage of the second terminal of the second capacitor is lower than a voltage of the target terminal during the first period, and connect the second terminal of the second capacitor to the output terminal during the second period.