Group Control Circuit for Semiconductor Memory Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits with semiconductor memory apparatuses face malfunctions due to sudden drops in supply voltage caused by simultaneous activation of internal circuits, which is exacerbated by decreasing voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A group control circuit with a parallel structure that generates sequential activation selection signals using synchronized first and second edge clock signals with different phases, allowing for staggered activation of internal circuits to manage current demand and prevent voltage drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple internal circuits are activated simultaneously to improve processing speed and functionality, then the circuit functionality is enhanced, but the supply voltage suddenly drops causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous activation of multiple internal circuits into sequential activation stages. The group control circuit separates circuits into different groups and activates them at different time points using edge clock signals, preventing simultaneous current draw that causes voltage drops while maintaining overall circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses edge clock signals to preliminarily determine the activation timing of different circuit groups before actual operation. By synchronizing circuit activation with specific clock edges, the system prepares and coordinates current draw in advance, preventing sudden voltage drops while enabling systematic circuit activation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage level is reduced to improve power efficiency, then energy consumption is decreased, but the circuit becomes more susceptible to voltage drops and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic clock signals with different edges to control the sequential activation of circuit groups. This periodic control mechanism ensures that current draw is distributed over time rather than occurring simultaneously, maintaining stable voltage levels even when operating at reduced supply voltages for power efficiency.
3Reliability
If a sequential control mechanism is implemented to prevent voltage drops, then voltage stability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group control circuit as an intermediary between the clock signal source and the internal circuits. This intermediary uses edge clock signals to coordinate and control the sequential activation of different circuit groups, providing a systematic and manageable approach to voltage stability without requiring complex point-by-point control of each circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A group control circuit includes a selection signal generation circuit and first and second activation selection circuits. The selection signal generation circuit generates a source selection signal by synchronizing an entry control signal. The first activation selection circuit generates a plurality of first activation selection signals in synchronization with a first edge clock signal. The second activation selection circuit generates a plurality of second activation selection signals in synchronization with a second edge clock signal. The first and second activation selection circuits have a parallel structure.