Multi-Cell Charge Pump Regulator for Low-Ripple Voltage Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DC/DC voltage regulators experience large ripples and die-to-die inaccuracies in average output voltage due to process variations, such as device dimension and threshold voltage mismatches, leading to unreliable output levels.
Innovation Solution
A regulator circuit with a multi-level detector and multi-cell charge/discharge circuit, where each unit charge pump's output is shunted together, and a compensation approach is used to maintain a fixed decision level across current loads and processes, reducing ripple and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current reference systems (voltage comparator or level shifter) are used to generate output voltage, then the regulator can produce boosted or bucked voltage, but large ripples and die-to-die inaccuracies occur due to process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference system into multiple unit charge pumps, each capable of generating a predetermined charge. By dividing the reference system into multiple independent units rather than using a single voltage comparator or level shifter, the system achieves better accuracy through averaging effects that reduce the impact of process variations on individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple unit charge pumps to form the complete reference system. The outputs of multiple unit charge pumps are combined (shunted together) to generate the final reference voltage. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from the collective accuracy of multiple units while maintaining the power generation capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If process variations (device dimension, threshold voltage mismatch) are present, then manufacturing is feasible with standard processes, but the output voltage cannot be set to a reliable level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic calibration functionality. The system includes a calibration mode that automatically adjusts the output voltage to the correct level without requiring manual intervention or external equipment. This self-calibration capability compensates for process variations and ensures reliable output voltage levels while maintaining ease of manufacture with standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters dynamically during calibration to compensate for process variations. By adjusting control parameters and calibration values based on measured output, the system adapts to manufacturing variations and ensures reliable operation across different dies and process conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single charge pump is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ripple across current loads is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge pump system into multiple unit charge pumps instead of using a single charge pump. Each unit charge pump contributes to the overall reference voltage generation, and their combined output reduces ripple through averaging effects. This segmentation increases device complexity slightly but significantly reduces output ripple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of multiple unit charge pumps to generate the reference voltage. By coordinating the periodic operation of multiple units with different switching phases or timing, the system reduces output ripple while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator system includes a multi-bit detector system and a multi-cell charge/discharge circuit. The multi-bit detector system includes a plurality of detectors. Each of the plurality of detectors has a predetermined threshold voltage. The multi-cell charge/discharge circuit includes a plurality of charge pumps. Each of the charge pumps is configured to generate a predetermined charge. Each of the charge pumps is associated with a predetermined threshold voltage of the detector circuit.