Integrated Power Converter with Charge Pump for IC Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) face complexity and inefficiency due to the need for multiple power supply voltage levels within IP block portions, leading to increased design and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
An IP block portion of an IC includes a regulator to convert a supply voltage to a first output voltage and a power converter with a charge pump to generate a second output voltage, utilizing switches to selectively couple the supply or pumped voltage to the regulator, simplifying the power source interface and allowing different voltage levels for logic and memory circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply voltage levels are used within IP block portions, then different voltage requirements for logic and memory circuits are met, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single integrated power converter unit. The power converter includes a charge pump circuit and a regulator that work together to generate multiple output voltages (first output voltage and second output voltage) from a single supply voltage input, eliminating the need for separate external voltage sources and reducing interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously provide multiple voltage levels (first output voltage for logic circuits, second output voltage for memory circuits) from a single supply voltage input. The charge pump circuit can operate in different modes (first mode and second mode) to generate different voltage outputs, making the device universally applicable to various voltage requirements within the IP block portion
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply voltage levels are used within IP block portions, then different voltage requirements for logic and memory circuits are met, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single integrated power converter unit. The power converter includes a charge pump circuit and a regulator that work together to generate multiple output voltages (first output voltage and second output voltage) from a single supply voltage input, eliminating the need for separate external voltage sources and reducing interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter proactively generates and stores pumped voltage in the charge pump circuit before it is needed by the regulator. The charge pump circuit continuously or periodically pumps voltage to maintain a reservoir of pumped voltage, so when the regulator needs to switch between different voltage modes, the required voltage is already available, reducing conversion time and improving production efficiency
3Reliability
If charge pump circuit continuously pumps voltage, then sufficient pumped voltage is available for regulator, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit operates dynamically by switching between different operational states based on real-time voltage conditions. The control circuit monitors the supply voltage level and adjusts the charge pump's operation accordingly - pumping voltage when supply voltage is low, and reducing or stopping pumping when supply voltage is sufficient, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable voltage supply to the regulator
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the control circuit continuously monitors the supply voltage and the state of the charge pump circuit, and adjusts the charge pump's operation in response. When the supply voltage drops below a threshold, the control circuit activates the charge pump to restore adequate voltage levels, and when voltage is sufficient, it deactivates the pump to conserve energy, creating a self-regulating system that balances reliability and energy efficiency
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
This configuration simplifies the power source interface and allows for efficient operation of IP block portions with multiple voltage levels, reducing complexity and improving production efficiency while maintaining effective voltage conversion for logic and memory circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump configured to generate a pumped voltage based on a supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An intellectual property (IP) block portion in an integrated circuit includes a first regulator, a first circuit, a power converter, and a second circuit. The first regulator is configured to receive a supply voltage and to generate a first output voltage. The first circuit is coupled with the first regulator and configured to receive the first output voltage. The power converter includes a charge pump configured to receive the supply voltage and to generate a pumped voltage; and a second regulator configured to receive the supply voltage or the pumped voltage and to generate a second output voltage. The second output voltage has a voltage level greater than a voltage level of the first output voltage. The second circuit is coupled with the power converter and configured to receive the second output voltage.