Flash Memory Voltage Generating Circuit with Shared Regulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flash memory devices face complexity and increased chip size due to the need for multiple independent circuits to generate constant voltages for programming, reading, and erasing, which can lead to deviations in voltage levels as fabrication processes change, affecting sensing margins and operational accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A voltage generating circuit that includes a charge pump to produce a high voltage and multiple voltage regulators sharing a voltage-dividing path to generate read and program verify voltages with a constant voltage difference, using feedback loops to maintain regulated voltage levels and reduce circuit complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent circuits are used to generate constant voltages for programming, reading, and erasing, then voltage generation capability is improved, but device complexity and chip size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent voltage generation circuits into a single integrated voltage generating circuit that produces multiple constant voltages (V1, V2, V3, V4) with predetermined relationships. This consolidation reduces the number of separate circuits while maintaining the ability to generate all necessary voltages for programming, reading, and erasing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage generating circuit is designed as a universal circuit that can generate multiple different constant voltages (V1, V2, V3, V4) with specific voltage differences between them. This single circuit performs the functions of multiple independent circuits by providing all required voltages for various memory operations through its multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent circuits are used to generate constant voltages, then voltage generation capability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deviations in voltage levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation capabilityVSAvoidvoltage level precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the voltage generating circuit to maintain precise voltage levels and predetermined voltage differences. The circuit monitors and adjusts the generated voltages (V1, V2, V3, V4) to ensure they meet specified requirements, compensating for manufacturing variations and maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage generating circuit is designed to maintain equipotential relationships between different output voltages, ensuring that voltage differences between V1-V2, V3-V4, and V2-V4 remain predetermined and consistent. This equipotential design ensures that all voltage outputs maintain precise relationships regardless of manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent circuits are used to generate constant voltages, then voltage generation capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent voltage generation circuits into a single integrated circuit that generates all required voltages. This consolidation reduces the total power consumption by eliminating redundant circuitry and shared components, while still providing all necessary voltage outputs for memory operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration simplifies the circuit design, maintains accurate voltage differences between read and verify voltages, enhances sensing margins, and reduces power consumption by sharing voltage-dividing paths, thus improving the operational efficiency and reliability of flash memory devices.

Implementation Method 1

a charge pump which generates a high voltage higher than a power supply voltage through a charge pumping operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pumping:

Implementation Method 2

a first-type voltage regulator which divides a voltage generated from the charge pump to generate a plurality of control signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage division:

Implementation Method 3

using feedback loops to maintain regulated voltage levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7548466B2Flash memory device and voltage generating circuit for the same

Publication Date: 2009.06.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A flash memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells. The flash memory device also includes a voltage generating circuit which generates a plurality of constant voltages to be applied to the memory cell array, the voltage generating circuit including a plurality of voltage regulators which generate at least two constant voltages, each having a constant voltage difference.