Charge Pump Current Regulation via Dynamic Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pump circuits in Flash memory circuits face challenges in managing current consumption, which can exceed the specified average and peak current limits due to variations in efficiency, supply voltage, and output current, particularly during operations like programming and erasing of NROM memory cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling current consumption in charge pump circuits by adjusting parameters such as supply voltage, stage voltage, frequency, duty-cycle, and the number of stages, as well as the load connected to the output, using a control loop that compares measured currents to reference values to maintain current within defined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge pump circuits are used to generate high voltages for Flash memory operations, then the required voltage levels are achieved, but current consumption exceeds specified limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control loop that continuously monitors the current consumption of the charge pump and adjusts its operation accordingly. The feedback mechanism compares the measured current against reference values and dynamically modifies charge pump parameters (such as switching frequency, duty cycle, or number of active stages) to maintain current within specified limits while still delivering the required output voltage for Flash memory programming and erasing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit employs dynamic parameter adjustment during operation. Instead of fixed operating parameters, the system varies switching frequency, duty cycle, and the number of active pump stages based on real-time current consumption conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the charge pump to optimize its efficiency across different operating conditions, preventing current exceedance while maintaining necessary voltage output.
2Power
If charge pump current consumption is increased to meet high voltage demands, then voltage generation capability is improved, but average and peak current limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
A control loop continuously monitors charge pump current consumption and provides feedback to adjust operation. The system compares measured current against reference values and dynamically modifies charge pump parameters to ensure current remains within specified average and peak limits, preventing reliability issues while maintaining voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the charge pump dynamically, including switching frequency, duty cycle, and the number of active stages. By adjusting these parameters based on current consumption levels, the system maintains voltage generation capability while ensuring compliance with current limits, thus preserving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charge pump efficiency varies due to process and temperature conditions, then operational flexibility is maintained, but current consumption control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control loop continuously measures actual current consumption and uses this feedback to compensate for efficiency variations caused by process and temperature conditions. By dynamically adjusting charge pump parameters based on real-time measurements, the system maintains precise current control despite changing environmental conditions, preserving both operational flexibility and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump system performs self-adjustment through automated control based on measured current consumption. The system monitors its own performance and automatically modifies its operation to maintain efficiency across varying process and temperature conditions, eliminating the need for external intervention while preserving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method and apparatus for regulating current consumption and output current of a charge pump. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first current coming into the charge pump and a second current coming into a driver of at least one of one or more stages of the charge pump is measured. A control loop may regulate one or more parameters of the charge pump and/or a load connected to the charge pump, such as by adjusting one or more of: a supply voltage; a stage's voltage; the stage's frequency and/or duty-cycle; and the number of stages.