Dynamic Voltage Scaling Mode Detection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor apparatuses consume unnecessary power in dynamic voltage scaling mode due to the generation of internal high voltage VPP without detecting the external high voltage VPPEXT, leading to increased power consumption compared to normal mode.

Innovation Solution

A mode determination apparatus and method that detects the clock enable signal and external high voltage VPPEXT to generate a dynamic voltage scaling mode signal, allowing for the comparison of internal high voltage VPP with a different comparative high voltage, thereby controlling the pumping enable signal and adjusting the internal high voltage levels according to the operating mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the semiconductor apparatus operates in dynamic voltage scaling mode with lower external voltage VDD and external high voltage VPPEXT, then power consumption is reduced, but the internal high voltage VPP must be generated at different levels to prevent unnecessary power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvoltage level control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling by making the internal high voltage VPP level adjustable based on the operating mode. The pumping voltage detection apparatus dynamically changes its target voltage level depending on whether the apparatus is in normal mode or dynamic voltage scaling mode, allowing the system to adapt voltage levels to match external voltage conditions and minimize power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the target voltage parameter of the pumping voltage detection apparatus according to the operating mode. In dynamic voltage scaling mode, the target voltage is set to a lower level (e.g., 2.5V) compared to normal mode (e.g., 3.3V), enabling the internal high voltage VPP to be generated at appropriate levels that prevent unnecessary power consumption while maintaining proper operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the internal high voltage VPP is generated at the same level in both dynamic voltage scaling mode and normal mode, then the pumping voltage detection apparatus can use the same detection threshold, but unnecessary power is consumed in dynamic voltage scaling mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection threshold consistencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the detection threshold dynamic by selecting different target voltages based on the operating mode. The pumping voltage detection apparatus switches between a first target voltage (e.g., 3.3V) for normal mode and a second target voltage (e.g., 2.5V) for dynamic voltage scaling mode, ensuring that the internal high voltage VPP is generated at appropriate levels to prevent unnecessary power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the target voltage parameter of the pumping voltage detection apparatus according to the operating mode. In dynamic voltage scaling mode, the target voltage is set to a lower level, enabling the internal high voltage VPP to be generated at appropriate levels that prevent unnecessary power consumption while maintaining proper operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the pumping voltage detection apparatus uses a fixed target voltage, then the design is simpler, but it cannot optimize power consumption in dynamic voltage scaling mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection apparatus designVSAvoidpower consumption optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic target voltage selection mechanism that switches between a first target voltage for normal mode and a second target voltage for dynamic voltage scaling mode. This dynamic approach allows the pumping voltage detection apparatus to optimize power consumption by generating the internal high voltage VPP at appropriate levels for each operating mode, rather than using a fixed target voltage that would waste energy in low-power mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the target voltage parameter of the pumping voltage detection apparatus according to the operating mode. In dynamic voltage scaling mode, the target voltage is set to a lower level, enabling the internal high voltage VPP to be generated at appropriate levels that prevent unnecessary power consumption while maintaining proper operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8319544B2Determining and using dynamic voltage scaling mode

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 MIMIRIP LLC

AI summary

A mode determination apparatus in a semiconductor apparatus includes a first condition detection block configured to generate a first condition signal in response to a clock enable signal activated when the semiconductor apparatus enters a dynamic voltage scaling mode, a second condition detection block configured to generate a second condition signal in response to an external high voltage in the dynamic voltage scaling mode, the external high voltage having a voltage level in the dynamic voltage scaling mode different from a voltage level in a normal mode, and a signal processing block configured to generate a dynamic voltage scaling mode signal in response to the first condition signal and the second condition signal.