Flash Memory High Voltage Generator Adaptive Pumping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage generators for flash memory devices generate a fixed high voltage level regardless of the program voltage level, leading to unnecessary power consumption and requiring trimming operations to adjust the voltage level to match the threshold voltage of high voltage pass transistors during programming operations.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage generator that includes a voltage pumping unit, a transistor with a gate coupled to the high voltage and a source connected to a program voltage, a voltage distributor, and a pumping clock controller that compares the distributor voltage to a reference voltage to generate the pumping clock signal only when the high voltage is less than the program voltage plus the threshold voltage, ensuring the high voltage is adjusted accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed high voltage level is generated regardless of program voltage level, then the high voltage generator can provide sufficient voltage for programming operations, but unnecessary power consumption occurs and trimming operations are required to adjust the voltage level
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage generator dynamically adjusts the pumping clock signal frequency based on the program voltage level. When the program voltage level changes, the controller automatically modifies the pumping clock frequency to generate the appropriate high voltage level, transforming the fixed voltage system into a dynamic adaptive system that matches voltage output to actual programming needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the program voltage level and using this information to regulate the pumping clock signal frequency. The controller continuously compares the actual program voltage with the required high voltage level and adjusts the pumping clock accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates the need for manual trimming operations.
2Reliability
If a fixed high voltage level is generated regardless of program voltage level, then the high voltage generator can provide sufficient voltage for programming operations, but trimming operations are required to adjust the voltage level
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage generator performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying its own pumping clock frequency based on the program voltage level. The system serves itself by internally regulating the high voltage output without requiring external trimming operations, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors program voltage levels and automatically adjusts the pumping clock frequency to maintain the correct high voltage level. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for external trimming operations, transforming a complex manual adjustment process into an automatic self-regulating system.
3Device complexity
If the pumping clock signal frequency is fixed, then the high voltage generator operation is simple, but the high voltage level cannot be adjusted to match varying program voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping clock signal frequency is transformed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts based on program voltage levels. The controller modifies the pumping clock frequency in real-time to match varying programming requirements, enabling the high voltage generator to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
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
The solution efficiently generates a high voltage level matching the program voltage plus the threshold voltage of high voltage transistors, optimizing power usage and eliminating the need for trimming operations by dynamically adjusting the high voltage level during programming operations.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage pumping unit configured to generate a high voltage in response to a pumping clock signal
Implementation Method 2
a transistor having a gate coupled to the high voltage and a source coupled to a program voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a high voltage generator for a flash memory device including a voltage pumping unit configured to generate a high voltage in response to a pumping clock signal, a transistor having a gate coupled to the high voltage and a source coupled to a program voltage, a voltage distributor coupled to the drain of the transistor, the voltage distributor configured to generate a distributor voltage, and a pumping clock controller configured to compare the distributor voltage to a reference voltage and to generate the pumping clock signal when the high voltage is less than a voltage substantially equal to the program voltage plus the threshold voltage of the transistor.