Charge Pump Clock Control for Low-Current DC/DC Bias Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing DC/DC converters for CMOS transistors, the high pumping frequency and consumption current are issues due to the small charge transfer amount and inversion voltage of the 1.8 V power supply, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A DC/DC converter with a charge pump, clock generator, voltage monitoring unit, and voltage regulator that controls the output voltage within a predetermined range, using a capacitor for charge storage and dynamic clock control to reduce consumption current, and includes a voltage monitoring unit that compares the output voltage with reference potentials to manage clock output effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge pump operates at high frequency to generate the required negative voltage, then the output voltage can be maintained, but the consumption current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock control where the clock frequency supplied to the charge pump is adjusted based on the monitored output voltage level. When the output voltage is sufficient, the clock frequency is reduced or stopped, thereby reducing consumption current while maintaining reliable voltage generation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the output voltage of the charge pump is monitored and used to control the clock signal generation. This closed-loop control ensures that the charge pump operates only when necessary and at the minimum required frequency, resolving the contradiction between maintaining output voltage stability and reducing consumption current
2Manufacturing precision
If the charge transfer amount is small to achieve precise voltage control, then the voltage regulation is improved, but the pumping frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the necessary amount of charge required to maintain the output voltage within the acceptable range, rather than continuously transferring maximum charge. This reduces the pumping frequency while maintaining sufficient voltage control precision through the feedback mechanism
3Reliability
If the inversion voltage is set to generate sufficient negative potential, then the body bias voltage requirement is met, but the charge transfer amount decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the clock frequency based on the actual charge transfer amount and output voltage level. When the inversion voltage generates sufficient negative potential with reduced charge transfer, the system maintains reliable body bias voltage generation while operating at lower pumping frequencies, optimizing the balance between voltage generation and charge transfer quantity
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 solution reduces the consumption current by maintaining the output voltage within a specific range, thereby lowering the pumping frequency and power consumption, while ensuring stable operation of the body bias voltage in CMOS transistors.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump that generates a predetermined output voltage from a predetermined DC power supply
Implementation Method 2
an output of the charge pump may be connected to a capacitor, and charges may be charged and discharged in the capacitor according to an operation of the charge pump
Data Source
AI summary
When a bias voltage of a substrate is generated, an output voltage of a charge pump is controlled at an appropriate level, resultingly reducing a consumption current. The charge pump generates a predetermined output voltage from a predetermined DC power supply. A clock generator outputs a clock for operating the charge pump. A voltage monitoring unit monitors the output voltage of the charge pump and controls the clock output from the clock generator such that the output voltage is maintained within a predetermined range. A voltage regulator generates the bias voltage from the output voltage of the charge pump.