High Voltage Generator Precharge Controller Circuit Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high voltage generators face challenges in reducing circuit area and increasing power efficiency due to the use of multiple charge pumping devices connected in series, which can lead to breakdown when faced with abruptly provided high external voltages.

Innovation Solution

A high voltage generator incorporating a precharge controller and a voltage converting device, where the precharge controller gradually increases the input voltage using both external and internal source voltages, and includes protection diodes to prevent breakdown, and a discharging device to manage voltage transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple charge pumping devices are connected in series to generate high voltage, then the output voltage level is improved, but the circuit area and power efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage levelVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple charge pumping operations into a single integrated charge pumping device structure, where multiple unit pumps work in parallel stages within one device rather than requiring separate series-connected devices. This integration reduces the overall circuit area while maintaining the high voltage generation capability through coordinated operation of the merged components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If multiple charge pumping devices are connected in series to generate high voltage, then the output voltage level is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage levelVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a precharge controller that performs preliminary voltage ramping before the main high voltage generation process. By gradually increasing the input voltage to the charge pumping device rather than applying full voltage abruptly, the precharge phase prevents energy loss from sudden charge discharge and breakdown events, improving overall power efficiency while enabling high voltage output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If high external voltage is provided abruptly to the voltage converting device, then the voltage conversion speed is improved, but breakdown occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion speedVSAvoidbreakdown prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The precharge controller performs preliminary gradual voltage increase before enabling full high voltage conversion. This preliminary ramping phase prepares the voltage converting device by slowly building up the input voltage, preventing abrupt voltage application that would cause breakdown, while still achieving fast overall voltage conversion through the subsequent full-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The precharge controller acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and gradually transmits voltage energy to the voltage converting device. By providing beforehand cushioning through controlled voltage ramping, it protects the device from voltage spikes and breakdown while maintaining the ability to deliver high voltage output efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution effectively protects the input circuit of the voltage converting device from high external voltages, ensuring stable operation and preventing breakdown, while also optimizing power efficiency and circuit area usage.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage converting device configured to increase a level of an input voltage and output a high voltage having a level higher than the level of the input voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pumping:

Implementation Method 2

a precharge controller configured to gradually increase the level of the input voltage up to a level of an external voltage based on a reference voltage and the output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage feedback control:

Implementation Method 3

a voltage transmitting device configured to transmit the external voltage to an input node of the voltage converting device in response to a control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10855175B2High voltage generator with precharge controller

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A high voltage generator includes a voltage converting device configured to increase a level of an input voltage and output an output voltage having a level higher than the level of the input voltage. The high voltage generator also includes a precharge controller configured to gradually increase the level of the input voltage up to a level of an external voltage based on a reference voltage and the output voltage.