Internal Voltage Generation Circuit Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently generating internal voltages such as core voltage, high voltage, and back-bias voltage, requiring charge pump circuits which can lead to increased power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An internal voltage generation circuit comprising a drive control signal generator and internal voltage driver that divides and compares voltage signals to generate and control internal voltages, minimizing power consumption by terminating voltage drives after predetermined times or levels are reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If charge pump circuits are used to generate internal voltages (VPP, VBB), then the required voltage levels can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by comparing the generated internal voltage with a reference voltage through a comparator. The comparison result feeds back to control the switching of the charge pump circuit, ensuring the voltage is generated only when needed and stopping when the target voltage level is reached, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control signal generator activates the charge pump only during specific periods when voltage generation is required, and deactivates it when the reference voltage matches the generated voltage, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining required voltage levels
2Temperature
If charge pump circuits are used to generate internal voltages, then the required voltage levels can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal generator serves multiple functions: it controls the charge pump switching, generates control signals for the comparator, and manages the overall voltage generation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving the required voltage levels
3Stability of the object's composition
If internal voltage driver continuously drives internal voltage signal, then voltage stability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal voltage driver operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates when voltage adjustment is needed and deactivates when the voltage stabilizes at the reference level, maintaining voltage stability during operation while reducing power consumption during stable states
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service control where the comparator automatically detects when the generated voltage matches the reference voltage and autonomously stops the charge pump operation. This self-regulating mechanism maintains voltage stability without requiring continuous external control signals, reducing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generation circuit including a drive control signal generator and an internal voltage driver. The drive control signal generator generates a drive control signal in response to an active pulse signal and a drive signal. The internal voltage driver, electrically coupled to the drive control signal generator, divides a level of an internal voltage signal in response to the drive control signal to generate a division voltage signal, compares a level of the division voltage signal with a level of a reference voltage signal to generate the drive signal, and drives the internal voltage signal in response to the drive signal.