Charge Pump Pre-charge Technique for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pumps in data storage systems face inefficiencies during the ramp-phase, leading to high power consumption and current losses, which affect the overall performance and capacity of non-volatile memory devices.
Innovation Solution
The charge pump employs a multi-step technique to optimize voltage sourcing, charging the final stage capacitor in three phases: directly from the most efficient supply, then from a moderately efficient supply, and finally from the least efficient supply, minimizing power losses and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the charge pump charges the final stage capacitor directly from the least efficient supply during the ramp-phase, then the voltage is sourced, but high power consumption and current losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump performs preliminary charging actions using more efficient supply sources before resorting to the least efficient supply. The final stage capacitor is charged in multiple phases: first from the most efficient supply, then from intermediate supplies, and only finally from the least efficient supply. This preliminary action sequence reduces overall power consumption and current losses by minimizing the time the pump operates from inefficient sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process is segmented into multiple distinct phases, each utilizing a different supply source based on efficiency characteristics. Rather than a single continuous charging operation from the least efficient supply, the process divides charging into segments: initial charging from efficient supplies, intermediate charging from moderate supplies, and final top-up from the least efficient supply. This segmentation optimizes the overall energy efficiency of the charge pump operation.
2Power
If the charge pump operates with high power consumption during ramp-phase, then voltage multiplication is achieved, but write performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump performs preliminary voltage multiplication using efficient supply sources before the actual write operation. By pre-charging the final stage capacitor from efficient supplies and only using the least efficient supply for minimal top-up charging, the system achieves the necessary voltage levels without sustained high power consumption, thereby maintaining better write performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different supply sources based on charging phase and efficiency requirements. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve voltage multiplication with optimized power consumption characteristics, preventing the sustained high power consumption that would degrade write performance.
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 power consumption and current losses, enhancing the write performance and efficiency of memory operations by minimizing the charge taken from the least efficient supply, thereby improving the overall performance of non-volatile memory devices.
Implementation Method 1
the charge pump circuitry includes a first voltage multiplier and a second voltage multiplier, each having an input coupled to a voltage supply and each having an output
Implementation Method 2
the first voltage multiplier includes a first bottom plate capacitor and the second voltage multiplier includes a second bottom plate capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A charge pump includes first and second multiplier stages including first and second capacitor in series with an input node, a final multiplier stage including an output capacitor in series with the second capacitor and an output node, and pre-charge circuitry. The pre-charge circuitry is configured to charge the output capacitor to a first level during an initial phase of a charging operation, wherein the first level is equal to a supply voltage of the data storage system, and decouple a charging path of the pre-charge circuitry from the output capacitor in response to the output capacitor being charged to the first level. The first and second multiplier stages are configured to increase the charge of the output capacitor to second and third levels higher than the first level during second and third phases of the charging operation.