Charge Pump Voltage Regulation via Feedback Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage generation systems in integrated circuits, such as charge pumps, suffer from significant power losses due to inefficiencies in generating and transmitting internal voltages, particularly in NAND flash memory devices, which affects power efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generation system that employs a feedback loop with selectively enabled resistive and capacitive feedback mechanisms, including a resistive voltage divider and capacitive voltage divider, to stabilize and adjust voltage levels, reducing current draw and power consumption while maintaining accurate voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge pumps are used to generate internal voltages, then voltage generation capability is achieved, but power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a feedback capacitor is coupled between the output node and the first input node of the charge pump. The capacitor is charged during the pump phase and discharged during the feedback phase, creating a closed-loop system that automatically regulates the output voltage. This feedback approach eliminates the need for complex control circuits while reducing power losses through efficient voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump operates in periodic cycles alternating between a pump phase and a feedback phase. During the pump phase, the charge pump generates the boosted voltage by switching capacitors. During the feedback phase, the feedback capacitor discharges to regulate the output voltage. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve both voltage generation and regulation while minimizing power losses through efficient phase-based control.
2Reliability
If internal voltages are generated and transmitted, then operational requirements are met, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback capacitor creates a closed-loop regulation system that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the charge pump operation accordingly. By discharging the feedback capacitor during the feedback phase, the system maintains accurate voltage regulation while minimizing energy waste. This ensures reliable operation of memory cells during program and erase operations while improving overall power efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If voltage regulation is implemented, then stability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves voltage stability through a simple feedback mechanism using a single feedback capacitor coupled between the output node and the first input node. The capacitor automatically charges during the pump phase and discharges during the feedback phase, creating inherent voltage regulation without requiring complex control circuits or additional active components. This minimalist approach maintains voltage stability while minimizing system complexity.
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 system achieves improved power efficiency and stability in voltage generation, reducing power losses and enhancing the reliability of internal voltage levels in integrated circuits, particularly in NAND flash memory devices.
Implementation Method 1
A feedback capacitor may be coupled between the output node and the first input node
Implementation Method 2
Charge pumps often utilize alternating switched capacitances (e.g., capacitors) to generate a higher or lower voltage from a supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation system might include a selectively-enabled resistive voltage divider having a first resistor connected between an output of the voltage generation system and a first feedback node and having a second resistor connected between the first feedback node and a first voltage node; a selectively-enabled capacitive voltage divider having a first capacitor connected between the output and a second feedback node and having a second capacitor connected between the second feedback node and the first voltage node; a comparator having a first input connected to the second feedback node, having a second input connected to a control signal node, and having an output; and a voltage generation circuit configured to generate a voltage level at the output responsive to a logic level of the output of the comparator and to a clock signal; wherein the first feedback node is selectively connected to the second feedback node.