Dynamic Drivability Internal Voltage Generation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently generating internal voltages such as core voltage VCORE, high voltage VPP, and low voltage VBB, requiring charge pump circuits which can lead to increased power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An internal voltage generation circuit comprising a pump controller and internal voltage generator, utilizing a voltage sensor, pulse detector, and control signal generator to dynamically switch between first and second drivability pumps based on the internal voltage signal's level and target voltage, reducing power consumption by adjusting pumping drivability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge pump circuits are used to generate internal voltages (VPP, VBB), then the required voltage levels (higher than VDD for VPP, lower than VSS for VBB) can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump drivability adjustable rather than fixed. The first pump has a first drivability and the second pump has a second drivability, allowing the system to dynamically select the appropriate pump based on operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling voltage generation capability when needed while minimizing power consumption by selecting the more efficient pump for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pump drivability by providing two pumps with different drivability characteristics. The control signal generator adjusts which pump operates based on the target voltage level and current voltage level, effectively changing the system's pumping parameter to optimize between voltage generation capability and power consumption.
2Power
If charge pump circuits are used to generate internal voltages, then the required voltage levels can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage generation function into two separate pumps with different drivability characteristics. Instead of using a single complex pump circuit, the system divides the function between a first pump and a second pump, each optimized for different operating conditions. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual pump while maintaining the overall voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a control signal generator that can selectively activate either the first pump or the second pump based on operating conditions. This universal control mechanism allows the same control circuit to manage different pump configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatile voltage generation capability.
3Device complexity
If a single pump drivability is used, then the circuit is simpler, but power consumption increases and voltage generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single-pump design to a dynamic multi-pump system. The control signal generator dynamically selects which pump to activate based on the target voltage level and current voltage level, making the system adaptable to different operating conditions. This dynamic approach reduces power consumption while maintaining relative circuit simplicity through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter by switching between two pumps with different drivability values. Instead of using one pump at fixed drivability, the system varies the drivability parameter by selecting the appropriate pump for each operating condition, thereby optimizing power consumption without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generation circuit may include a pump controller and an internal voltage generator. The pump controller suitable for generating a first control signal enabled if a level of an internal voltage signal is lower than a target voltage level and a second control signal enabled if a level of the internal voltage signal is lower than the target voltage level after a predetermined period elapses from a point of time that the internal voltage signal is pumped. The internal voltage generator suitable for pumping the internal voltage signal with a first drivability in response to the first control signal and suitable for pumping the internal voltage signal with a second drivability in response to the second control signal.