Internal Voltage Generation Circuit for Memory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face increased instantaneous current consumption and peak current during internal voltage generation, leading to inefficiencies during power-up operations.
Innovation Solution
An internal voltage generation circuit that includes an integration circuit generating an initial voltage with a constant slope, selection circuits comparing feedback and reference voltages to control the supply of external supply voltage, and internal voltage generation circuits that adjust the increase speed of internal voltages to reduce current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If internal voltage generation circuit rapidly increases internal voltage during power-up, then voltage generation speed is improved, but instantaneous current consumption and peak current increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage increase rate adjustable rather than fixed. The circuit transitions from a rapid initial voltage increase to a slower subsequent increase, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on the operational phase. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling fast voltage generation when needed while reducing current consumption during steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the voltage generation process into distinct phases: an initial rapid increase phase followed by a slower increase phase. This multi-stage approach allows the circuit to deliver high speed when required (initial phase) and then maintain lower current consumption (subsequent phases), effectively resolving the trade-off between speed and energy use.
2Speed
If internal voltage generation circuit rapidly increases internal voltage during power-up, then voltage generation speed is improved, but peak current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage increase rate based on the operational phase. During the initial phase, rapid voltage increase is permitted to meet speed requirements, but once the voltage reaches a certain level, the circuit automatically transitions to a slower increase rate, thereby suppressing peak current generation while maintaining acceptable voltage generation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by preparing a multi-stage voltage increase strategy in advance. The circuit is designed to switch from rapid to slower voltage increase at predetermined conditions, cushioning against the generation of excessive peak current before it occurs. This proactive approach allows the system to maintain speed performance while preventing harmful peak current spikes.
3Reliability
If external supply voltage is continuously supplied to internal voltage generation circuit, then voltage generation capability is maintained, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supply voltage connection controllable rather than continuous. The circuit selectively connects to the external supply voltage based on operational requirements - maintaining connection when voltage generation capability is needed while disconnecting or reducing connection when full capability is not required. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements self-service by autonomously managing its own power supply connection based on its operational state. The internal voltage generation circuit monitors its own needs and adjusts the external supply voltage connection accordingly, maintaining voltage generation capability when necessary while minimizing current consumption during normal operation, without requiring external control.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein may be an internal voltage generation circuit and a memory device having the same. The internal voltage generation circuit may include an integration circuit configured to generate an initial voltage that increases with a constant slope based on an input voltage, a selection circuit configured to compare a feedback voltage with a reference voltage and then output the initial voltage or the reference voltage as an output voltage, and a first internal voltage generation circuit configured to generate an internal voltage by being supplied with an external supply voltage or by being blocked from being supplied with the external supply voltage based on a result of a comparison between the output voltage and the feedback voltage and to generate the feedback voltage by dividing the internal voltage.