High Voltage Regulator Cascode Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage regulators for non-volatile memory face challenges such as mismatch between low voltage operational amplifiers and high voltage transistors, requiring large compensation capacitors and leading to unstable current consumption due to thermal and process variations.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage regulator design that uses a cascode connection of low voltage n-type FET transistors matched with high voltage n-type FET transistors to reduce the Miller effect and employs an active load of high voltage p-type FET transistors to self-regulate current consumption, replacing passive resistances with active elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional high voltage regulator design is used, then the regulator can provide programming voltages to non-volatile memory, but there is mismatch between low voltage operational amplifiers and high voltage transistors requiring large compensation capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is divided into multiple stages: a low voltage stage with operational amplifier and a high voltage stage with transistors. Each stage operates at its optimal voltage level, allowing independent optimization without mismatch issues. The segmentation enables the low voltage stage to use precision operational amplifiers while the high voltage stage uses robust transistors, eliminating the need for large compensation capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage conversion stage serves as an intermediary between the low voltage operational amplifier and the high voltage transistors. This intermediate stage transforms the low voltage signal from the operational amplifier into a high voltage signal suitable for driving the power transistors, allowing the two stages to be matched through the intermediary rather than directly.
2Reliability
If conventional high voltage regulator design is used, then programming voltages can be provided, but current consumption is unstable due to thermal and process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the output voltage and current consumption. When thermal or process variations cause deviations, the feedback loop adjusts the control signals to maintain stable current consumption. The operational amplifier compares the actual output with the reference voltage and corrects any deviations, ensuring reliability under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as transistor gate voltages and bias currents in response to temperature and process variations. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains stable current consumption despite environmental changes, improving reliability without requiring overly complex compensation circuits.
3Productivity
If conventional high voltage regulator design is used, then programming operation can be performed, but overall current consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator uses dynamic control of the power transistors to optimize current consumption during programming operations. The operational amplifier dynamically adjusts the gate voltages of the high voltage transistors based on the instantaneous programming requirements, ensuring that current is drawn only when and where needed. This dynamic operation maintains programming capability while minimizing overall current consumption compared to static conventional designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a regulator for a non-volatile memory is provided. The regulator comprises an operational amplifier for receiving a reference voltage and a feedback voltage to output a voltage amplifying the difference of the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, the feedback voltage being obtained by dividing an output voltage of the regulator; a first switching unit turning on in response to the amplified voltage; a second switching unit electrically connected between a first node and the first switching unit for protecting the first switching unit from the voltage of the first node; and a third switching unit providing the output voltage of the regulator to a second node in response to a voltage of the first node.