Charge Pump External Clock Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits with internal clock generators face limitations in flexibility, area occupation, and power consumption, making them less optimal for various operating environments.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design that utilizes an external system clock signal, modulated by a clock modulator and buffer, to generate a pumping voltage exceeding the supply voltage, allowing for flexible clock frequency adjustment and reduced internal clock generator requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an internal clock generator is included in the integrated circuit, then the circuit can operate independently, but the area occupation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clock generator function is extracted from the integrated circuit and placed externally. The circuit receives clock signals from outside rather than generating them internally, removing the clock generator hardware and its associated area and power consumption while maintaining operational capability through external signal input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an internal clock generator is included in the integrated circuit, then the circuit can operate independently, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock generator function is extracted from the integrated circuit and placed externally. The circuit receives clock signals from outside rather than generating them internally, removing the clock generator hardware and its associated area and power consumption while maintaining operational capability through external signal input.
3Device complexity
If the clock frequency is determined during design and manufacturing, then the circuit structure is simplified, but the flexibility for different operating environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clock frequency is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The circuit accepts external clock signals whose frequency can be varied to match different operating environments and system requirements, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different performance needs without structural changes.
4Ease of operation
If an internal clock generator is included, then clock signals are available internally, but additional clock circuitry increases area and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The clock generator function is extracted from the integrated circuit and placed externally. The circuit receives clock signals from outside rather than generating them internally, removing the clock generator hardware and its associated area and power consumption while maintaining operational capability through external signal input.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a pumping voltage in an integrated circuit includes receiving an external clock signal from outside of the integrated circuit. The frequency of the received external clock signal is changed according to one or more modulation ratios, resulting in one or more respective modulated external clock signal. The external clock signal or one of the modulated external clock signals is then selected for use as a pump clock signal. The pump clock signal is used for driving the pump capacitance of a pump circuit for generating the pumping voltage.