Dynamic Internal Voltage Regulation for Semiconductor Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor apparatuses face performance deterioration due to variations in chip characteristics and clock signal frequencies, as they rely on a fixed internal voltage regardless of these differences.

Innovation Solution

A device characteristic compensation circuit that detects clock signal frequency and chip characteristics to generate a control code signal, which is used to regulate the internal voltage, ensuring optimal performance by adjusting the voltage level based on detected conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed internal voltage is used regardless of chip characteristics and clock frequency, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the performance deteriorates due to variations in chip characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveperformanceVSAvoidvoltage regulation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by detecting chip characteristics and clock frequency, then adjusting the internal voltage level accordingly. The voltage regulator transitions from a fixed static voltage source to a dynamic system that adapts its output based on real-time detection of device parameters, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on detected chip characteristics and clock frequency. By monitoring device parameters and adjusting the internal voltage level in response, the system optimizes performance across different chip variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through parameter adaptation rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the internal voltage level is adjusted according to chip characteristics and clock frequency, then the performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and regulation components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified voltage regulation system. The detection block and voltage regulator work together as a multi-functional unit that performs both characterization and voltage adjustment, reducing overall circuit complexity compared to separate dedicated circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where chip characteristics and clock frequency are detected, and this information feeds back to adjust the internal voltage level. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes performance automatically without requiring complex external control circuits, as the adjustment is self-regulated based on detected parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If a fixed internal voltage is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but current consumption increases due to inability to optimize voltage for different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidvoltage control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the voltage parameter based on detected chip characteristics and clock frequency to optimize power consumption. By adjusting the internal voltage level to match actual operating conditions rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage, the system reduces unnecessary energy consumption while adding only minimal control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulation system is self-regulating, automatically detecting chip characteristics and adjusting voltage without external intervention. This self-service mechanism optimizes power consumption dynamically while keeping the control structure simple, as the system manages its own voltage optimization without requiring complex external power management circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8519760B2Device characteristic compensation circuit and semiconductor apparatus using the same
Publication Date: 2013.08.27 SK HYNIX INC
  • US8519760B2 patent drawing
  • US8519760B2 patent drawing
  • US8519760B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device characteristic compensation circuit includes a device characteristic detection block configured to detect one or more of a frequency of a clock signal and characteristics of devices, and generate a control code signal according to a detection result; and an internal voltage regulation unit configured to regulate a level of an internal voltage in response to the control code signal and generate a corrected internal voltage.