Charge Pump Voltage Drivers for Lower Current Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage generation circuits in integrated circuits, such as charge pumps, suffer from inefficiencies in generating and transmitting internal voltages, leading to significant power losses due to cascading voltage generation devices, which results in increased current draw and reduced power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of voltage drivers that selectively apply either a supply voltage or a generated voltage to stage capacitances based on logic levels of clock signals, using logic to manage drive voltages and reduce current consumption by utilizing the supply voltage when the output is below a threshold and the generated voltage when it exceeds the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional charge pump circuits are used to generate internal voltages, then voltage generation functionality is achieved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to significant power losses
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage driver dynamically switches between supply voltage and generated voltage based on real-time output voltage threshold detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to optimize power efficiency by using the lower supply voltage when possible, while still achieving the required output voltage levels when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the voltage generation circuit by selectively applying different drive voltages (supply voltage vs. generated voltage) based on the output voltage level. This parameter change enables the circuit to operate more efficiently by avoiding unnecessary use of high-voltage drive signals when lower voltages suffice.
2Power
If cascaded voltage generation devices are used, then higher internal voltages are achieved, but current draw increases leading to reduced power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage driver employs dynamic voltage selection, switching between supply voltage and generated voltage based on detected output voltage thresholds. This dynamic approach enables the cascaded system to achieve higher internal voltages when necessary while minimizing current draw by using supply voltage during phases when it suffices, thereby improving overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage driver incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the output voltage of the voltage generation circuit. Based on this feedback, the driver automatically adjusts which voltage source to apply, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes the balance between achieving required voltage levels and minimizing current consumption.
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 current draw and enhances power efficiency by optimizing voltage usage in voltage generation circuits, mitigating inefficiencies associated with cascaded systems.
Implementation Method 1
Charge pumps often utilize alternating switched capacitances (e.g., capacitors) to generate a higher or lower voltage from a supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Charge pumps of integrated circuit devices might include an input configured to receive an internally-generated first voltage level, an output, and a plurality of stages between its input and output. A particular stage might include a voltage isolation device, a voltage driver, and a capacitance having a first electrode connected to an output of the voltage driver and a second electrode connected to the voltage isolation device. The voltage driver might be responsive to a clock signal and to a voltage level of the output of the voltage driver to selectively connect the output of the voltage driver to either a first voltage node configured to receive the first voltage level, a second voltage node configured to receive a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level, or a third voltage node configured to receive a third voltage level lower than the second voltage level.