Semiconductor Driver Circuit with Mode-Switched Supply Biasing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor drivers exhibit insufficient drivability in normal mode and increased leakage current in standby mode, which affects energy efficiency and operation time, particularly in battery-operated mobile products.
Innovation Solution
A driver circuit with a control unit that varies the power supply voltage levels in response to mode signals, allowing independent power supply voltages through the source and bulk terminals, and applies a negative bias voltage between the input and power supply terminals in standby mode to optimize voltage differences and reduce leakage current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same power supply voltage is applied to both source and bulk terminals, then the driver structure is simple, but drivability is insufficient in normal mode and leakage current increases in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply voltage is segmented into multiple levels: a first power supply voltage applied to the bulk terminal and second/third power supply voltages applied to the source terminal. This segmentation allows independent voltage control for different operational modes, resolving the contradiction between drivability and leakage current by providing optimized voltage conditions for each mode without requiring complete structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit dynamically switches between different power supply voltage configurations based on operational mode. In normal mode, the source terminal receives the second power supply voltage for high drivability; in standby mode, it switches to the third power supply voltage to minimize leakage current. This dynamic voltage adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the electrical conditions to operational requirements.
2Power
If higher power supply voltage is applied to improve drivability, then normal mode performance improves, but leakage current in standby mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the voltage parameter applied to the source terminal based on operational mode. The second power supply voltage (higher level) is used during normal operation to maximize drivability and power output. The third power supply voltage (lower level) is used during standby to minimize leakage current and energy loss. This parameter change strategy directly resolves the contradiction between power performance and energy conservation.
3Loss of energy
If multiple power supply voltages are used to reduce leakage current, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power supply voltage configurations. The same driver structure can operate with different voltage levels applied to the source terminal depending on the mode signal, eliminating the need for separate circuits for normal and standby modes. This universal design approach reduces device complexity while achieving leakage current reduction through multiple voltage levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver circuit of a semiconductor apparatus includes a driver and a control unit configured to vary a voltage level of a power supply terminal of the driver in response to a standby mode signal.