Floating Gate Voltage Reference With Offset-Mitigating Feedback Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-current analog circuits, particularly band gap and floating gate voltage reference circuits, face challenges in achieving high accuracy and low power consumption, with limitations due to voltage offset from capacitance and charge decay over time, making them unsuitable for applications requiring precise voltage levels and stability across varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an iterative floating gate device and floating reference node programming technique with an offset-mitigating feedback loop, allowing for rapid and accurate voltage adjustments using tunneling and unity gain modes, and incremental reference voltage adjustments to maintain precise voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If band gap voltage reference circuits are used to provide fixed voltage levels, then voltage accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed voltage reference (band gap) to programmable voltage reference (floating gate), allowing voltage levels to be changed by programming the floating gate charge state. This enables accurate voltage references at multiple levels without requiring multiple power-consuming band gap circuits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If floating gate circuits are used to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but voltage accuracy deteriorates due to capacitance-induced offset and charge decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the floating gate voltage is continuously monitored and compared to a reference. When deviation occurs due to charge decay or capacitance effects, the feedback circuit adjusts the tunneling device to restore the correct voltage level, maintaining accuracy over time and temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary compensation by pre-programming the floating gate with the desired charge level and using feedback to correct any drift before it affects accuracy. The system proactively maintains voltage levels rather than reactively correcting failures.
3Measurement precision
If the capacitance of the tunneling device is eliminated to remove voltage offset, then voltage accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and compensates for the capacitance effect separately from the main voltage reference function. By identifying the capacitance-induced offset and creating a compensating mechanism, the system removes the harmful effect while preserving the low-power floating gate architecture.
4Stability of the object's composition
If iterative programming with feedback loop is implemented to maintain voltage accuracy, then voltage stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the feedback circuit to perform multiple functions: monitoring floating gate voltage, comparing with reference voltage, detecting deviations, and controlling tunneling device adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, moderating the complexity increase.
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 enhances the accuracy and stability of floating gate circuits while reducing power consumption, enabling efficient and precise voltage programming across a range of operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The floating gate is commonly charged using Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, or Channel Hot Carrier (CHC) tunneling, practices generally known to practitioners of the microelectronic arts.
Implementation Method 2
The floating gate is commonly charged using Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, or Channel Hot Carrier (CHC) tunneling, practices generally known to practitioners of the microelectronic arts.
Implementation Method 3
analog comparison device coupled to a tunneling device... the first voltage level corresponds to a first state of the analog comparison device and the second voltage level corresponds to a second state of the analog comparison device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides circuits, systems, and methods for programming a floating gate. As described herein, a floating gate tunneling device is used with an analog comparison device in a circuit having a floating reference node and an offset-mitigating feedback loop for iteratively programming a floating gate or multiple floating gates.