Semiconductor Ground Reference Circuit for Rectifier Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor integrated circuits face complications due to a voltage drop across rectifying elements, causing the internal power supply line ground level to be higher than the external power supply line ground potential, which complicates circuit compensation.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit design that includes an internal power supply line, an internal ground line, an external ground terminal, a rectifying element, and a reference circuit with a dedicated rectifier configuration, using transistors and transistors to manage current flow and generate a reference voltage, thereby simplifying the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectifying circuit is arranged in the semiconductor integrated circuit, then the external power supply can be rectified and reverse connection can be prevented, but the ground level of the internal power supply line becomes higher than the external ground potential due to voltage drop, complicating the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rectifying function into two separate paths: a main rectifying path for power supply current using a bridge rectifier, and a reference path for reference voltage circuits using individual rectifying elements. This segmentation allows the reference circuits to have their ground connected directly to external ground through dedicated rectifiers, eliminating the need for complex compensation circuits while maintaining reliable power supply rectification and reverse connection prevention.
2Reliability
If a bridge rectifier is used for power supply rectification, then reliable rectification is achieved, but the voltage drop across the rectifying elements causes ground level offset that complicates reference circuit design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces individual rectifying elements as intermediaries between the external ground terminal and the ground of reference voltage circuits. These dedicated rectifiers serve as mediators that allow reference circuits to maintain accurate ground potential reference while still benefiting from the main bridge rectifier's reliable rectification function. The intermediary rectifying elements isolate the reference circuits from the voltage drop effects in the main power path.
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 design allows for the omission of complex compensation circuits by using a simple dedicated rectifier configuration, effectively managing voltage drops and maintaining consistent ground levels.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying element, which is disposed between the internal ground line and the external ground terminal and makes a current flow toward the external ground terminal
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem to be solved] The disclosure is to omit a complicated compensation circuit and the like.[Solution] The disclosure has an internal power supply line VHI that outputs an internal power supply voltage generated based on an external power supply 10, and an internal block 14 is connected to the internal power supply line VHI. The disclosure includes: an internal ground line SUB, which is the ground of the internal power supply line VHI; an external ground terminal 12b, to which the ground of the external power supply 10 is connected; a rectifying element M4, which is disposed between the internal ground line SUB and the external ground terminal 12b and makes a current flow toward the external ground terminal 12b; and a reference circuit 16, which generates a reference voltage. The ground of the reference circuit 16 is connected to the external ground terminal 12b via a first individual transistor M7.