High Voltage Generator Regulator Discharge Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage generators face issues when the power supply voltage is cut off, leading to potential damage of transistors in the comparing circuit due to uncontrolled high voltage discharge, resulting in errors and potential damage to the generator.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a high voltage discharging circuit that selectively couples the voltage dividing circuit to ground and includes a diode-connected transistor or diodes to safely discharge the high voltage applied to the comparing circuit when the power supply voltage is stopped, preventing damage and maintaining stable output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply voltage is cut off, then the high voltage generator stops operating, but the un discharged high voltage damages the transistor in the comparing circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful high voltage from the comparing circuit by introducing a dedicated discharging circuit. When power is cut off, the discharging circuit actively removes the accumulated high voltage from the charge pump before it can reach and damage the comparing circuit transistors, thus separating the harmful effect from the vulnerable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage dividing circuit as an intermediary between the charge pump output and the comparing circuit. This intermediary circuit scales down the high voltage to a safe level for the comparing circuit, and when power is cut off, it works together with the discharging circuit to prevent high voltage damage to the transistors.
2Ease of operation
If the high voltage is not discharged when power is cut off, then the circuit stops operating, but the high voltage is directed to the comparing circuit input terminal causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a discharge path for the high voltage before power cutoff occurs. The discharging circuit is pre-configured to become active when power is cut off, proactively draining the charge pump voltage through a controlled path to ground, preventing the harmful redirection of voltage to the comparing circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high voltage that would otherwise damage the comparing circuit into a beneficial discharged state. By providing a dedicated discharge path to ground, the harmful energy is safely dissipated, transforming what would be a damaging situation into a protected shutdown state.
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
Prevents transistor damage and ensures accurate operation by safely discharging high voltage to ground when power is cut off, thereby stabilizing the output voltage and preventing errors in the high voltage generator.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage discharging circuit configured to discharge the divided voltage applied to the comparing circuit when supply of a power supply voltage is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator included in a high voltage generator for supplying a high voltage to a semiconductor memory device is disclosed. The regulator includes a voltage dividing circuit configured to divide an output voltage of a charge pump, a comparing circuit configured to compare a reference voltage with a divided voltage by the voltage dividing circuit, a regulator driving circuit configured to couple selectively the voltage dividing circuit to a ground, and a high voltage discharging circuit configured to discharge the divided voltage applied to the comparing circuit when supply of a power supply voltage is stopped.