Exponential Charge Pump Hybrid Stacking Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pumps, particularly exponential ones, consume a significant amount of die area and power due to the need for level shifters and smoothing capacitors, which becomes inefficient as the number of stages increases to achieve higher output voltages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid stacking topology with cross-coupled inverter pump stages that eliminates the need for level shifters and smoothing capacitors by using node voltages to control pMOS transistors, reducing the number of stages required and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If exponential charge pump stages are used to achieve higher output voltages, then the voltage multiplication factor increases, but the die area and power consumption increase due to level shifters and smoothing capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the level shifter and smoothing capacitor components from the exponential charge pump architecture. By removing these auxiliary components that consume die area and power, the invention achieves high voltage multiplication without the traditional area and power penalties associated with level shifters and smoothing capacitors in each pump stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal voltage reference and control mechanism that serves multiple pump stages simultaneously. A single voltage reference circuit provides the reference voltage for all exponential pump stages, and a unified control logic manages all stages, eliminating the need for separate level shifters and smoothing capacitors at each stage, thereby reducing overall die area and power consumption.
2Power
If the number of pump stages is increased to achieve higher output voltages, then the voltage multiplication factor increases, but the device complexity and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump stages into a unified exponential charge pump architecture where stages are cascaded with shared control and reference circuits. By combining the voltage reference, control logic, and pumping action into an integrated structure, the patent achieves high voltage multiplication factors without proportionally increasing device complexity or die area.
3Reliability
If level shifters and smoothing capacitors are used in exponential charge pumps, then the pump operation is stabilized, but the die area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the charge pump stages themselves provide the stability function traditionally requiring separate level shifters and smoothing capacitors. The exponential pumping action and inherent circuit feedback mechanisms maintain stable operation without requiring additional dedicated stabilization components, thereby reducing die area while maintaining reliability.
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 approach allows for the generation of higher output voltages with fewer stages, reducing die surface area and power consumption, while maintaining stability and efficiency in charge pump operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first charge pump circuit coupled to a second charge pump circuit, wherein each charge pump circuit comprises a plurality of pump stages including a first exponential pump stage and a second exponential pump stage
Data Source
AI summary
An exponential multistage charge pump is provided wherein node voltages in a pumpcell in one stage of the charge pump are used to control operation of clock drivers in a subsequent stage of the charge pump.