Down-converting Voltage Circuit Power-up Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing down-converting voltage generating circuits in semiconductor devices experience voltage instability during power-up operations, causing circuits to malfunction due to incorrect voltage levels, as the down-converted voltage initially exceeds the target voltage and then drops to it unpredictably.
Innovation Solution
A down-converting voltage generating circuit design that includes a reference voltage providing unit, an initial setting unit to drop the voltage level to ground, a driving unit to derive the down-converted voltage from an external voltage, and a driving force control unit to control the driving force based on the initial setting signal, ensuring rapid and stable convergence to the target voltage by reducing the driving force and using a voltage discharge unit to lower the voltage to the target level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the initial setting signal EXT_ON is applied to drop the voltage level to ground in the initial stage of power-up operation, then the down-converted voltage can rise quickly with the external voltage, but the voltage level becomes unstable and exceeds the target voltage causing circuit malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting the initial voltage level to ground using the initial setting signal EXT_ON before the main voltage conversion process begins. This preliminary grounding action allows the down-converted voltage to rise quickly from a known starting point, and then the control mechanism gradually adjusts the voltage to the target level, preventing the instability and overshoot that would occur without this initial preparation step.
2Productivity
If the down-converted voltage is allowed to reach the external voltage level quickly, then the power-up operation is faster, but the voltage stress on circuits exceeds the target voltage level causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the driving force of the voltage conversion process adjustable rather than fixed. The control mechanism dynamically modifies the driving force based on the current voltage level and the target voltage, allowing rapid initial voltage rise when needed while automatically reducing the driving force as the voltage approaches the target level, thereby preventing voltage overshoot and stress on circuits.
3Speed
If the driving force is strong to rapidly convert voltage during power-up, then the voltage conversion speed is improved, but the voltage convergence to target level becomes unpredictable and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control mechanism that continuously monitors the down-converted voltage level and adjusts the driving force accordingly. The control unit receives information about the current voltage state and modifies the driving force to maintain stable convergence toward the target voltage, preventing oscillations and ensuring predictable voltage stabilization while maintaining fast conversion speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A down-converting voltage generating circuit includes a reference voltage providing unit, an initial setting unit, a driving unit, and a driving force control unit. The reference voltage providing unit provides a reference voltage to a first node. The initial setting unit drops a voltage level of the first node to substantially a level of a ground voltage when an initial setting signal is activated. The driving unit drives a down-converted voltage derived from an external voltage in response to the voltage level of the first node. The driving force control unit is connected to the driving unit, and controls a driving force for driving the down-converted voltage of the driving unit in response to the initial setting signal.