Charge Pump Switching Controller for Standby Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pump systems in semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies in generating high voltages, particularly during standby modes, as they require multiple pumps that consume excess power and have long stabilization times, leading to increased standby currents.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump switching controller that selectively activates a tripler pump during initial stabilization and switches to a doubler pump for energy efficiency after a predetermined time, using a tripler controller, oscillation counter, latch, comparator, and oscillation selector to manage the switching based on detected voltage and oscillation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple charge pumps are used to generate high voltage, then voltage generation capability is improved, but standby current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different charge pump configurations based on operational mode. During standby mode, the system switches to a low-power configuration where only necessary pumps operate, while during active mode, full pump functionality is enabled. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's power consumption characteristics to match the current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (which specific pumps are activated) based on the system's operational state. By controlling the activation status of different charge pumps according to whether the system is in standby or active mode, the patent optimizes the balance between voltage generation capability and power consumption, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If charge pump stabilization time is extended, then voltage stability is improved, but system response time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary stabilization actions during idle periods before high-voltage generation is actually needed. By pre-stabilizing the charge pump output voltages during standby mode, the system reduces the stabilization time required when high-voltage generation is subsequently activated, thereby resolving the contradiction between voltage stability and system response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic stabilization strategies that adapt to different operational states. During standby mode, the system performs gradual stabilization of charge pump outputs, while during active mode transitions, it employs accelerated stabilization techniques. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve voltage stability without excessively delaying the overall response time.
3Device complexity
If charge pump switching control is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but pump selection accuracy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational state and voltage requirements, then automatically select the appropriate charge pump configuration. This feedback-based control system maintains high pump selection accuracy without requiring complex manual control logic, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump switching control system operates autonomously by self-determining the appropriate pump configuration based on monitored system conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining accurate pump selection, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge pumping apparatus in accordance with an embodiment may include a charge pump output voltage detector, a pump oscillator, and a charge pump switching controller. The charge pump output voltage detector may detect a charge pump output voltage, and may selectively output an enable signal according to the detected charge pump output voltage. The pump oscillator may output an oscillation signal during a period of time when the enable signal is activated. The charge pump switching controller may selectively operate one of a first pump and a second pump according to a predetermined stabilization time, the enable signal, and the oscillation signal.