Dual Pump Circuit for Flash Memory Voltage Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor storage apparatuses, such as NOR flash memory, face challenges in reducing current dissipation during standby operations and restoring boost voltage efficiently from a Deep Power Down state due to the limitations of standby pump circuits, which have low supply capability and slow response speed, leading to prolonged restoration times and potential false voltage detection.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor storage apparatus incorporates a dual pump circuit system with a pool capacitor, a first amplifier circuit, and a second amplifier circuit, along with switch circuits and voltage divider circuits, to control and boost the power supply voltage efficiently, allowing for rapid restoration of the boost voltage and minimizing current dissipation by selectively activating the active and standby pump circuits based on current demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a standby pump circuit is used to reduce current dissipation during standby operation, then current dissipation is reduced, but the restoration speed of boost voltage becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump circuit is segmented into two independent circuits: a standby pump circuit for low-power operation during standby mode, and an active pump circuit for rapid voltage restoration during active operation. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between low current dissipation and fast restoration speed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the standby pump circuit operates continuously to maintain boost voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but current dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standby pump circuit operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the boost voltage falls below a threshold level. This periodic operation maintains voltage stability within acceptable ranges while minimizing current dissipation during extended standby periods.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the standby pump circuit is used during Deep Power Down state restoration, then power consumption is reduced, but restoration time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The standby pump circuit performs preliminary voltage boosting during the Deep Power Down restoration phase, bringing the boost voltage to a level where the active pump circuit can then take over for final rapid restoration. This preliminary action reduces the overall restoration time while maintaining low power consumption during the initial phase.
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 solution enables faster restoration of the boost voltage to the target value, reduces current dissipation, and prevents false voltage detection, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the semiconductor storage apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pool capacitor connected between the output terminal and ground
Implementation Method 2
a first voltage divider circuit connected between the output terminal and the ground to output a first monitor voltage obtained by dividing a voltage which is output from the output terminal with a first voltage division ratio
Implementation Method 3
a first amplifier circuit which compares the first monitor voltage with the reference voltage, outputs a first boost signal if the first monitor voltage is lower than the reference voltage, and outputs a first stop signal if the first monitor voltage is higher than the reference voltage
Implementation Method 4
a first pump circuit which outputs a voltage obtained by boosting a power supply voltage to the output terminal in response to the first boost signal
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor storage apparatus has a control circuit. The control circuit deactivates the first and second amplifier circuits, turns off the first, second, fourth and fifth switch circuits, and turns on the third and sixth switch circuits in response to an external signal based on reduction of current dissipation of a power supply which supplies the power supply voltage.