Charge Pump Control Circuit With Ramp-Regulated Output Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated control circuits for charge pumps in EEPROM memories face challenges in maintaining stable high voltage levels during programming and erasing operations, as they can lead to voltage drops and inefficiencies due to parasitic capacity and transistor selection issues, which may result in oxide layer damage and unnecessary power dissipation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control circuit that regulates the output voltage of a charge pump by using a dual-device system with a ramp generator and logic circuitry to manage current supply, allowing the output voltage to ascend from a lower to a higher value through reactivation, ensuring stable voltage levels and efficient operation by activating different circuit branches based on voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a charge pump generates high voltage levels for programming and deletion operations, then the voltage can be used for EEPROM operations, but the voltage may become unstable and exceed dielectric strength limits due to current delivery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a control circuit that continuously monitors the charge pump output voltage and adjusts the clock signal phase accordingly. When the output voltage exceeds a reference level, the control circuit modifies the clock phase to reduce the voltage, ensuring it remains within safe dielectric limits while maintaining stability during current delivery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit is designed to automatically regulate its own output voltage through the feedback mechanism without requiring external intervention. The control circuit detects voltage deviations and self-corrects by adjusting the clock signal, enabling the system to maintain stable operation autonomously during programming and deletion operations.
2Reliability
If a resistive divider and comparator circuit is used to regulate charge pump output voltage, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the circuit complexity increases and power is dissipated unnecessarily when no current is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary circuit components from the traditional regulation approach. Instead of using a full resistive divider and comparator system, the invention uses a simplified control circuit that directly monitors voltage and adjusts the clock phase, removing redundant elements while maintaining effective voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit operates by periodically monitoring the charge pump output voltage and applying phase adjustments to the clock signal in response to voltage deviations. This periodic feedback action maintains regulation while allowing the circuit to remain in a low-power state when no adjustment is needed, reducing unnecessary power dissipation.
3Loss of energy
If the charge pump is switched off to avoid power dissipation, then power efficiency improves, but the output voltage drops when current delivery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the charge pump operation through phase-adjusted clock signaling. Instead of simply switching the charge pump on or off, the control circuit dynamically adjusts the clock phase to modulate the charge pump output, enabling smooth transitions between active and standby states while maintaining voltage stability during current delivery operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated control circuit for a charge pump includes a first device for regulating the output voltage of the charge pump and a second device for increasing the output voltage from the charge pump with a set ramp. The integrated circuit includes means for activating said first device and providing it with a first value of a supply signal in a first period of time and for activating the second device and providing it with a second value of the supply signal that is greater than the first value in a second period of time after the first in such a way that the output voltage of the charge pump ascends a ramp from a first value to a second value that is greater than the first value, the second value being fixed by reactivation of the first device.