High Voltage Pump Circuit Dynamic Series Parallel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage generation circuits in semiconductor devices take a long time to reach a target voltage level and consume excessive current due to the sequential operation of pumps in series, which increases with higher target voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage generation circuit configuration that uses pumps in parallel or series/parallel mixed modes, coupled with switches and a voltage division circuit, to rapidly reach target voltage levels while minimizing current consumption, by dynamically controlling the operation of pumps through enable signals generated by comparing divided voltages with reference voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pumps are coupled in series to generate high voltage, then the target voltage level is achieved, but the voltage rise time becomes slow and current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between series and parallel pump configurations based on the required voltage level. During voltage transitions, pumps are connected in parallel to rapidly charge capacitance and achieve fast voltage rise. Once the target voltage is reached, pumps switch to series configuration to maintain the voltage with reduced current consumption. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between fast voltage rise and low current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between series and parallel pump modes according to the voltage generation cycle. Initially, pumps operate in parallel mode to quickly establish the high voltage. After the voltage stabilizes at the target level, the system periodically maintains voltage using series configuration. This periodic action pattern enables the system to achieve both fast voltage rise and sustained low current consumption.
2Power
If pumps are coupled in series to raise voltage to target level, then high voltage is generated, but the time taken to output voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically reconfigures pump connections from series to parallel based on operational phase. During voltage establishment phase, pumps are connected in parallel to rapidly charge the output capacitance and reach target voltage quickly. During voltage maintenance phase, pumps switch to series configuration to sustain the high voltage level. This dynamic switching eliminates the time penalty associated with pure series operation while maintaining the ability to generate high voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary voltage establishment using parallel pump configuration before switching to series mode. By initially connecting pumps in parallel, the system pre-charges the output capacitance and rapidly reaches the target voltage level. This preliminary action in parallel mode significantly reduces the time required to establish high voltage compared to starting with series configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If target voltage level is increased to handle higher loading, then voltage output capability is improved, but current necessary to generate voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adapts pump configuration based on load requirements and target voltage level. For high voltage output with heavy loading, the system initially uses parallel configuration to rapidly establish voltage, then transitions to series configuration to maintain voltage with reduced current. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide high voltage output capability while minimizing current consumption during the maintenance phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pump system by switching between series and parallel configurations. When high voltage is required, the system parameters are adjusted to use parallel mode for voltage establishment, then switches to series mode for voltage maintenance. This parameter change enables the system to achieve high voltage output capability while controlling current consumption through configuration switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage generation circuit includes a plurality of pumps configured to generate a final pump voltage, a plurality of switches configured to couple the pumps to various nodes, a voltage division circuit configured to divide the final pump voltage from the pumps interconnected by the switches, and outputting a divided voltage, a section signal generation circuit configured to generate a plurality of section signals by comparing the divided voltage with each of different reference voltages, and a section signal combination circuit configured to generate enable signals for controlling the switches by combining the section signals.