Floating Gate Transistor Circuit for Fast Temporary Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating gate transistors require high programming voltages and long switching times, making them inefficient for quick ON-OFF switching and energy-saving applications, especially in passive transponders where energy is limited.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with a deactivation capacitor connected in series to the floating gate capacitor, allowing temporary deactivation without recharging the floating gate capacitor, using a controlled switch configuration to manage the deactivation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floating gate transistor switching is used, then non-volatile memory capability is achieved, but switching time becomes too long (several milliseconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitor system into two distinct parts: the floating gate capacitor (FGC) for long-term non-volatile storage, and a separate deactivation capacitor (DC) for rapid temporary deactivation. This segmentation allows each capacitor to be optimized for its specific function - the FGC maintains charge for years while the DC can be quickly charged and discharged to achieve millisecond or microsecond switching times without affecting the FGC's non-volatile properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The deactivation capacitor acts as an intermediary element between the control circuitry and the floating gate transistor. By introducing this intermediate storage element, the system can temporarily override the FGC's charge state without directly manipulating the FGC itself. The DC serves as a buffer that can be rapidly charged/discharged to control the transistor's on/off state, mediating between the need for fast switching and the need for non-volatile memory retention.
2Ease of operation
If high programming voltage is applied to switch floating gate transistor, then switching capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage application function between two capacitors: the FGC which requires high programming voltage for switching but maintains charge without energy, and the DC which uses lower voltage for rapid temporary deactivation. This segmentation separates the high-energy programming operation from the low-energy temporary switching operation, reducing overall energy consumption for frequent switching tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The deactivation capacitor is pre-charged to a voltage level sufficient for temporary deactivation before it is needed. When rapid switching is required, the pre-charged DC can be immediately connected to the transistor gate without requiring high programming voltage at that moment. This preliminary charging action enables fast switching with minimal energy expenditure during the actual switching event.
3Ease of operation
If floating gate capacitor charge is changed for switching, then transistor state changes, but switching time becomes several milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge storage function into two distinct capacitors with different characteristics. The FGC changes charge slowly over milliseconds to achieve stable non-volatile states, while the DC can be rapidly charged and discharged in microseconds to achieve temporary switching. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate charge change mechanism depending on whether permanent or temporary switching is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability by adding the deactivation capacitor, which can be rapidly charged and discharged to dynamically override the FGC's state temporarily. This dynamic element enables fast switching responses without compromising the static stability provided by the FGC. The system can now adapt its switching speed and energy consumption based on operational requirements, achieving both fast temporary switching and stable long-term memory retention.
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
Enables rapid and energy-efficient temporary deactivation of the floating gate transistor, reducing the need for high programming voltages and long switching times, suitable for applications with limited energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
a deactivation capacitor (36) which is adapted to store a charge necessary for deactivating the floating gate transistor temporarily
Implementation Method 2
the gate of these transistors is 'floating', i.e. it is surrounded by an insulator. This means that the plates of the associated floating gate capacitor are electrically isolated. Therefore, a relatively high programming voltage is necessary to charge the floating gate capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a relatively high programming voltage is necessary to charge the floating gate capacitor by using a tunneling effect
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit includes a floating gate transistor with a floating gate capacitor. The floating gate transistor can be programmed to be in an ON or an OFF state by charging the floating gate capacitor. The circuit further includes a deactivation capacitor adapted to store a charge sufficient for deactivating the floating gate transistor temporarily. The deactivation capacitor is connectable in series to the floating gate capacitor. A method for deactivating a floating gate transistor temporarily is provided, wherein the floating gate transistor includes a floating gate capacitor. A deactivation capacitor is charged with a charge sufficient for changing the state of the floating gate transistor temporarily. The deactivation capacitor is connected in series to the floating gate capacitor for deactivating the floating gate transistor.