Internal Voltage Generating Circuit With Loop Selection Oscillator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal voltage generating circuits in semiconductor memory apparatuses face instability when the supply voltage is low, leading to unstable internal voltage generation due to prolonged signal cycles and reduced current supply to oscillator components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed internal voltage generating circuit incorporates a multiple detector to compare internal and supply voltages with reference voltages, a loop selection oscillator that adjusts oscillation loops based on supply voltage levels, and a charge pump to generate a stable internal voltage by selecting between short and long oscillation loops depending on supply voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional oscillator is used in the internal voltage generating circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the oscillation cycle becomes excessively long when the supply voltage is low, causing unstable internal voltage generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the oscillation loop configurable between short and long lengths based on supply voltage conditions. The loop selection oscillator dynamically switches between different loop configurations (first loop for low voltage, second loop for high voltage) to optimize oscillation characteristics for each operating condition, thereby maintaining reliable internal voltage generation across varying supply voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the oscillation loop length based on supply voltage levels. By detecting the supply voltage and selecting between different loop configurations, the system adjusts the oscillation characteristics (cycle time, frequency) to maintain stable operation. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple structure and reliable performance under varying conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the supply voltage is lowered to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the current supplied to oscillator elements decreases, lengthening the signal cycle and destabilizing internal voltage generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the oscillation loop configuration based on supply voltage levels. When supply voltage is low (energy-efficient mode), the short first loop is selected to compensate for reduced current and maintain adequate oscillation speed. When supply voltage is high, the longer second loop can be used. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain low power consumption while ensuring internal voltage stability through appropriate loop selection.
3Measurement precision
If the oscillation loop is made longer to improve oscillation characteristics, then the oscillation signal quality may improve, but the oscillation cycle increases, causing the charge pump to fail to generate stable internal voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oscillation loop into multiple configurable paths (first loop and second loop). The loop selection oscillator divides the single oscillation path into alternative segments, allowing selection of the appropriate loop length based on operating conditions. This segmentation enables the system to choose between short and long loops, optimizing the balance between signal quality and oscillation cycle duration for each supply voltage condition.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generating circuit includes a first detector that compares an internal voltage and a first reference voltage to output a first detection signal. A second detector compares a supply voltage and a second reference voltage to output a second detection signal. A loop selection oscillator performs an oscillation operation in response to the first detection signal, selects a first loop or a second loop for performing the oscillation operation in response to the second detection signal, and outputs an oscillation signal. A charge pump performs a pumping operation according to the output of the loop selection oscillator and generates the internal voltage.