Charge Pump Oscillator Trimming for Temperature-Stable High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory systems face challenges in maintaining consistent high voltage generation due to variations in operating conditions such as temperature, leading to inefficiencies in charge pump performance.
Innovation Solution
A trimming mechanism and algorithm are implemented to adjust the charge pump's oscillator frequency and voltage output using trim bits and a lookup table, based on temperature sensing, to achieve optimal performance across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a charge pump is used to generate high voltage for memory operations, then the required voltage levels can be achieved, but the output voltage varies with temperature and operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the charge pump oscillator frequency based on detected operating conditions. The system continuously monitors temperature and voltage output, then adjusts the oscillator frequency in real-time to compensate for variations. This dynamic control mechanism ensures that the charge pump maintains consistent high voltage output across different operating temperatures and conditions, resolving the contradiction between temperature variation and voltage consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where the actual high voltage output is monitored and compared against target values. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the oscillator frequency to correct any deviations. The feedback loop detects when voltage output drifts due to temperature changes and automatically compensates by modifying the charging rate, thereby maintaining reliable and consistent voltage output despite temperature variations.
2Device complexity
If the charge pump operates at fixed oscillator frequency, then the circuit design is simpler, but the voltage output cannot be optimized across varying process, voltage, and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed-frequency oscillator to a dynamically adjustable oscillator that can modify its frequency based on operating conditions. This dynamic capability allows the charge pump to optimize its charging rate for different process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions, significantly improving efficiency without requiring completely redesign the circuit architecture. The adjustment mechanism adds controlled complexity while delivering substantial performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the oscillator frequency parameter in response to varying operating conditions. By adjusting this key parameter, the charge pump can optimize its operation across different PVT conditions. The system detects changes in operating parameters and modifies the oscillator frequency accordingly, enabling the charge pump to maintain optimal efficiency without requiring complex circuit redesigns.
3Reliability
If trimming circuits are added to adjust oscillator frequency and voltage output, then performance consistency across operating conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based trimming system that automatically adjusts oscillator frequency and voltage output based on detected operating conditions. The feedback mechanism monitors temperature and voltage levels, then activates appropriate trimming adjustments only when needed. This approach maintains performance consistency across varying conditions while minimizing the always-on circuit complexity, as the trimming functions are triggered selectively rather than being continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the charge pump system automatically detects and corrects its own performance deviations. The trimming circuits are controlled by the system itself based on internal sensor feedback, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment or complex external control systems. This self-regulating approach improves performance consistency while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a high voltage generation block comprises a temperature sensor to sense an operating temperature and output a temperature output, a trim circuit to receive a trim enable circuit and the temperature output and to generate oscillator trim bits, a charge pump oscillator to generate an oscillating signal in response to the oscillator trim bits and a feedback signal, a charge pump to receive the oscillating signal and to generate a pumped voltage, and a charge pump regulator to receive the pumped voltage and to generate the feedback signal and a high voltage output.