Charge Pump Voltage Regulation Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pumps used in integrated circuit applications for generating high voltages suffer from unstable output voltages due to ripple, which can degrade reliability and introduce noise, especially in non-volatile memory systems, and require large filter capacitors that occupy significant space on the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump system incorporating a voltage regulator and clock driver to generate a low-ripple boosted output voltage, where the voltage regulator adjusts the supply voltage based on feedback from the output voltage, and the clock driver controls the amplitude of the clock signal to maintain the output voltage near a target level, reducing ripple and eliminating the need for large filter capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a charge pump is used to generate high voltage, then the output voltage can be boosted to required levels, but the output voltage becomes unstable with excessive ripple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a comparator monitors the charge pump output voltage and compares it against a reference voltage. Based on this comparison, the feedback mechanism adjusts the clock signal frequency to the charge pump, dynamically regulating the output voltage to maintain stability and reduce ripple while preserving the boosted voltage level.
2Stability of the object's composition
If filter capacitors are used to reduce output ripple, then voltage stability improves, but the integrated circuit footprint increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional passive mechanical approach of using large filter capacitors with an active electronic feedback control system. The comparator-based regulation mechanism dynamically adjusts the charge pump operation to reduce ripple, achieving voltage stability without requiring large physical capacitors, thus minimizing the integrated circuit footprint.
3Speed
If the charge pump operates at high frequency to improve response time, then voltage regulation speed increases, but ripple frequency becomes unpredictable and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system uses a comparator to continuously monitor the output voltage and generate appropriate clock signal frequencies. This closed-loop approach ensures the charge pump operates at optimal frequencies that maintain predictable ripple characteristics while achieving fast voltage regulation response, thereby reducing unpredictable noise generation.
4Device complexity
If the output voltage is allowed to ripple to simplify the circuit design, then device complexity decreases, but reliability of memory programming operations degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism using a comparator that monitors the charge pump output and adjusts the clock signal frequency accordingly. This regulation system reduces output voltage ripple to levels that ensure reliable memory programming operations while maintaining relatively simple circuit implementation, achieving an optimal balance between complexity and reliability.
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 system achieves a low-ripple output voltage with a predictable frequency, reducing noise and allowing for a smaller integrated circuit footprint by minimizing the use of filter capacitors, thus enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage regulator adjusts the supply voltage to the charge pump based on feedback from the output voltage
Implementation Method 2
A charge pump is one type of circuit that can be used to generate these high positive and negative voltages. Although many types of charge pumps exist, most charge pumps generally operate in similar fashion. A typical charge pump receives an input from a voltage source, then boosts the input voltage to produce a higher output voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for maintaining an output voltage of a charge pump circuit near a target voltage is disclosed. A regulated supply voltage is generated based on the output voltage of the charge pump. The regulated supply voltage is applied to a voltage input to the charge pump circuit and to a voltage input of a clock driver that provides a regulated clock signal to the charge pump circuit.