Charge Pump Peak Current Control for Stable Memory Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high peak of current flowing into the input of a charge pump negatively affects the overall operation of memory devices, particularly as integration and operating speed increase.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a peak control circuit that senses the current flowing into the charge pump and controls it to a threshold level or less, using a control signal to adjust the frequency and magnitude of the clock signal, ensuring stable voltage generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charge pump operates at high speed to support increased memory operating speed, then productivity is improved, but the peak current becomes excessively high causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a clock signal to control the charge pump in periodic cycles. The control circuit adjusts the duty cycle of the clock signal to regulate the average current while maintaining high-speed operation capability. This allows the system to achieve high productivity when needed while limiting peak current through controlled periodic switching rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the charge pump operation adjustable and adaptive. The control circuit dynamically modifies the clock signal parameters (frequency, duty cycle) based on operational requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize between speed and current consumption in real-time, resolving the contradiction between high productivity and peak current limitation.
2Power
If the charge pump generates high voltage for memory operations, then power is improved, but the current peak causes instability in memory operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating a control circuit that monitors the charge pump operation and adjusts the clock signal accordingly. The control circuit receives feedback about the operational state and modifies the duty cycle or frequency of the clock signal to maintain stable operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that high voltage generation does not cause instability by continuously adjusting parameters based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic clock signal controls the charge pump to generate voltage in controlled cycles rather than continuously. By adjusting the duty cycle, the system can achieve the required voltage levels while allowing rest periods that prevent current peaks and maintain operational stability. This periodic operation reconciles high power capability with reliable stable 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
Stabilizes the memory operation by effectively managing the peak current, supporting efficient voltage generation and reducing adverse effects on the device.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump configured to generate the voltage
Implementation Method 2
sensing a current flowing from a pad, to which an external voltage is applied, to the charge pump and a voltage drop due to a path resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, a control logic configured to control a memory operation with respect to the plurality of memory cells, and a voltage generator configured to output a voltage for the memory operation. The voltage generator includes a charge pump configured to generate the voltage, and a peak control circuit configured to sense a current flowing from a pad, to which an external voltage is applied, to the charge pump, and control a peak of the current to be a threshold level or less based on a result of the sensing.