DLL Internal Voltage Generator Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in stabilizing internal voltages for Delay Locked Loops (DLLs) during power-down and resume modes, leading to unstable clock signal generation and increased current consumption due to slow voltage restoration and overshoot phenomena.

Innovation Solution

An internal voltage generator that includes a standby voltage generator and an active voltage generator, where the active voltage generator is operated for a predetermined time after exiting the power-down mode to rapidly restore the DLL internal voltage to a reference level, ensuring stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the standby voltage generator operates alone in power-down mode to minimize current consumption, then current consumption is reduced, but the internal voltage cannot be rapidly restored when exiting power-down mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidvoltage restoration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The controller activates the active voltage generator before the standby voltage generator when exiting power-down mode, preparing the high-current path in advance to enable rapid voltage restoration. This preliminary action ensures that when voltage restoration is needed, the active generator is already ready to supply high current immediately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between standby-only operation during power-down and active-standby combined operation when exiting power-down mode. The controller adjusts the operating state of the active voltage generator based on the power mode, creating a dynamic system that adapts current consumption and voltage restoration capability to the operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the active voltage generator operates continuously to maintain stable internal voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but current consumption increases during power-down mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal voltage stabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage generation function is segmented into two separate generators: a standby voltage generator for low-power operation and an active voltage generator for rapid voltage restoration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables the system to switch between power-saving and rapid-response modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The active voltage generator serves multiple functions: it can operate alone during active modes requiring rapid voltage changes, and it can work in conjunction with the standby generator during power-down exit transitions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address different operational requirements without needing separate dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the standby voltage generator is used exclusively to save current, then current consumption is minimized, but the internal voltage drops abruptly during active periods with frequent DLL operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidinternal voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically monitors the operational state and activates the active voltage generator when voltage instability is detected during active periods. The system self-regulates by switching generators based on actual voltage requirements, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex voltage regulation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Speed

If the active voltage generator is activated for a predetermined time after exiting power-down mode, then voltage restoration speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage restoration speedVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic for managing the active voltage generator is extracted as a separate controller module that independently manages the generator's activation and deactivation. This extraction simplifies the overall control architecture by dedicating a specific component to generator management, making the control logic more modular and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7463081B2Internal voltage generator and internal clock generator including the same, and internal voltage generating method thereof

Publication Date: 2008.12.09 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

An internal voltage generator that generates an internal voltage for a Delay Locked Loop (DLL) and an internal clock generator including the same, and an internal voltage generating method for a DLL. The internal voltage generator includes a standby voltage generator that generates the DLL internal voltage as a reference voltage level, a controller that generates an active control signal in response to a power-down signal and an active signal, and an active voltage generator that generates the DLL internal voltage of the reference voltage level in response to the active control signal. After the power-down mode is ended, the active voltage generator is additionally operated during a predetermined time when the DLL is initially enabled. It is therefore possible to generate stabilized DLL internal voltages.