Charge Pump Detection Circuit for Accurate Memory Supply Voltage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing memory systems, charge pump detection circuits experience voltage deviations due to current generation on series resistor voltage dividers and transmission traces, leading to inaccuracies in power voltage output.

Innovation Solution

A power voltage generation circuit with a charge pump detection circuit that includes first and second sampling circuits, an inverter pair, and an oscillator, which minimizes current on transmission traces by generating sampling current signals, ensuring accurate reference voltage signals and improving power voltage accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a series resistor voltage divider is used in the charge pump detection circuit, then the power voltage can be divided to obtain a sampling voltage signal, but a current is generated on the series resistor voltage divider and transmission trace, causing voltage drop and deviation from target voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower voltage detection accuracyVSAvoidvoltage drop on transmission trace
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer circuit as an intermediary component between the series resistor voltage divider and the transmission trace. This buffer circuit isolates the high-impedance voltage divider from the low-impedance transmission trace, preventing current from flowing through the transmission trace while still allowing the sampling voltage signal to be transmitted accurately. The buffer circuit acts as a mediator that decouples the loading effect between these two components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct electrical connection (mechanical/electrical system) between the series resistor voltage divider and the transmission trace with a buffer circuit implementation. This substitution transforms the direct current path into a controlled signal path where the buffer circuit actively manages the impedance matching, eliminating the unwanted current flow through the transmission trace while preserving the voltage division function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If current flows through the transmission trace of the first reference voltage, then the reference voltage can be transmitted to the detection circuit, but a voltage drop is generated resulting in deviation between power voltage and target voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference voltage transmissionVSAvoidpower voltage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer circuit serves as an intermediary that receives the reference voltage signal from the transmission trace and provides a low-impedance output to the detection circuit. This intermediary function ensures that sufficient current can flow through the transmission trace to maintain signal integrity while preventing excessive current that would cause voltage drop and accuracy deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer circuit dynamically adjusts the impedance parameters between its input and output terminals. By presenting a high input impedance to the transmission trace (minimizing current draw) and a low output impedance to the detection circuit (ensuring signal strength), the buffer circuit optimizes the transmission conditions and eliminates voltage drop-induced accuracy errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution reduces voltage drops and enhances the accuracy of power voltage output by the charge pump, maintaining precise control over power voltage levels.

Implementation Method 1

The first sampling circuit is configured to: receive a first reference voltage signal and the power voltage signal, and generate a first sampling current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage-to-current conversion: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

The second sampling circuit is configured to: receive a second reference voltage signal, and generate a second sampling current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage-to-current conversion: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

The inverter pair is electrically connected to the first sampling circuit and the second sampling circuit, and the inverter pair is configured to output a control signal based on the first sampling current signal and the second sampling current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent comparison:

Implementation Method 4

The oscillator is electrically connected to the inverter pair, and the oscillator is configured to generate a clock signal based on the control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 5

The charge pump is electrically connected to the oscillator, and the charge pump is configured to generate the power voltage signal based on the clock signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4685801A1Power supply voltage generation circuit, memory, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4685801A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4685801A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4685801A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This application provides a power voltage generation circuit, a memory, and an electronic device, and relates to the field of integrated circuit technologies, to improve accuracy of a power voltage value output by a charge pump. The power voltage generation circuit includes the charge pump, a charge pump detection circuit, and an oscillator. The charge pump detection circuit includes a first sampling circuit, a second sampling circuit, and at least one inverter pair. The first sampling circuit is configured to: receive a first reference voltage signal and a power voltage signal output by the charge pump, and generate a first sampling current signal. The second sampling circuit is configured to: receive a second reference voltage signal, and generate a second sampling current signal. The inverter pair is configured to output a control signal based on the first sampling current signal and the second sampling current signal. The oscillator is configured to generate a clock signal based on the control signal, to control the charge pump to generate the power voltage signal. As a peripheral circuit of a memory array, the power voltage generation circuit may supply power for a data read/write operation.