Charge Pump Circuit Clock Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pump circuits in semiconductor devices consume excessive current due to unnecessary switching operations, particularly when first and second main clocks simultaneously transition during the activation period of the comparison signal.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a charge pump circuit that generates output voltage by pumping input voltage using first and second main clocks, where the second main clock transitions after the first main clock, and both clocks are controlled to maintain their logic levels at the end of the activation period, minimizing current consumption by avoiding simultaneous transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If first and second main clocks are used to pump input voltage to generate output voltage, then voltage multiplication efficiency is improved, but current consumption increases due to simultaneous transitions of both clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching control where the first and second main clocks are activated in alternating periods rather than simultaneously. The control circuit generates switching signals that enable the first clock during a first time period and the second clock during a second time period, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces peak current consumption while maintaining voltage multiplication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs preliminary action by predicting when simultaneous transitions of both clocks would occur and proactively generating switching signals to prevent this condition. The circuit monitors the states of both clocks and advance adjusts their activation timing, storing preliminary switching signals that ensure one clock is deactivated before the other is activated, thereby preventing harmful simultaneous transitions before they can occur.
2Productivity
If both first and second main clocks are activated simultaneously, then charge pumping operation is enhanced, but peak current and ripple voltage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the operation into distinct time periods where only one clock is active at a time. The control circuit generates periodic switching signals that alternate between enabling the first main clock and the second main clock, ensuring that charge pumping continues efficiently while avoiding the harmful effects of simultaneous activation that would create peak current spikes and ripple voltage.
3Device complexity
If switching operations are performed without control, then charge pump circuit operation is simple, but unnecessary switching increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the states of both main clocks and using this information to generate appropriate switching signals. The circuit receives feedback about clock transitions and adjusts its output accordingly, deactivating one clock before activating the other, thereby eliminating unnecessary switching operations and reducing power consumption while maintaining relatively simple circuit operation.
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 approach reduces current consumption and improves power efficiency by eliminating unnecessary switching operations, thereby minimizing peak current and ripple voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump circuit suitable for generate an output voltage by pumping an input voltage according to first and second main clocks
Implementation Method 2
a voltage detection circuit suitable for generating a comparison signal by comparing the output voltage with a reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a charge pump circuit suitable for generate an output voltage by pumping an input voltage according to first and second main clocks; a voltage detection circuit suitable for generating a comparison signal by comparing the output voltage with a reference voltage; and a driving control circuit suitable for generating the first and second main clocks according to first and second external clocks during an activation time period of the comparison signal while controlling a transition sequence such that the second main clock transitions after the first main clock transitions.