Charge Pump Voltage Regulation via Partial Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-volatile memory systems face performance slowdowns and energy inefficiencies due to the time required to discharge and recharge charge pump power supplies, which is necessary to transition between high and low voltages, especially in high-speed applications.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that regulates output voltage by using a programmable voltage divider and comparator to control the charge pump, allowing for rapid discharge of output capacitance through an NMOS transistor when transitioning from high to low voltages, ensuring efficient voltage changes without complete discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge pump is completely discharged and recharged to transition between high and low voltages, then the low voltage devices are protected from damage, but the system experiences time delay and power dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial discharging of the output capacitance instead of complete discharging. The discharge transistor is controlled to discharge the capacitance only to a predetermined voltage level that is sufficient to protect low voltage devices during mode transitions, rather than discharging to zero. This partial action reduces the time delay and power dissipation while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the output capacitance dynamically based on the operating mode. During mode transitions, the capacitance is discharged to a specific voltage level rather than being completely discharged. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain protection while reducing the extent of discharging, thereby minimizing time delay and power loss.
2Reliability
If the charge pump is completely discharged and recharged to transition between high and low voltages, then the low voltage devices are protected from damage, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial discharging of the output capacitance instead of complete discharging. The discharge transistor is controlled to discharge the capacitance only to a predetermined voltage level that is sufficient to protect low voltage devices during mode transitions, rather than discharging to zero. This partial action reduces the time delay and power dissipation while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the output capacitance dynamically based on the operating mode. During mode transitions, the capacitance is discharged to a specific voltage level rather than being completely discharged. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain protection while reducing the extent of discharging, thereby minimizing time delay and power loss.
3Reliability
If high voltage devices are used to withstand programming voltages, then the devices can handle high voltages, but the area efficiency and speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit devices into high voltage devices only where absolutely necessary (in the charge pump and voltage generation circuitry) and uses low voltage minimum geometry devices for the read circuits and other voltage-tolerant portions. This segmentation allows the system to handle high voltages where needed while maintaining area efficiency and speed in the majority of the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies high voltage device characteristics only in the specific locations where high voltage tolerance is required (the charge pump circuit), while the rest of the system uses optimized low voltage devices. This local quality approach ensures high voltage capability where necessary without compromising the overall area efficiency and speed of the memory system.
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 the time delay and power dissipation associated with voltage transitions, enhancing system performance and efficiency by allowing for faster and more controlled voltage adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Charge pump power supplies typically use capacitive boosting techniques to create on-chip programming voltages in excess of the externally applied power supply voltage.
Implementation Method 2
discharge the output of the charge pump from its high voltage state to a standby voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method for controlling an output voltage of a power supply system is disclosed. The method includes regulating the power supply to a first voltage. After regulating the power supply to a first voltage, the power supply is regulated to a second voltage, which includes changing an input to the power supply system, and altering charge at an output of the power supply system until the output voltage reaches the second output voltage.