Internal Voltage Generation Circuit Settling Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in rapidly adjusting internal voltages to target levels while minimizing current consumption for high-speed and low-power operations, as existing internal voltage generation circuits have long settling times and high current consumption.
Innovation Solution
The internal voltage generation circuit employs a first resistive element-based circuit to generate a reference voltage and a second capacitive element-based circuit to rapidly adjust the output voltage, controlled by a comparator and control signal generator to compare and adjust the voltage levels, using a setting code and switch control signals to optimize voltage generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional internal voltage generation circuit is used, then the circuit can generate internal voltages, but the settling time is long and current consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The internal voltage generation circuit is divided into multiple independent voltage generation units, each responsible for generating specific internal voltages (e.g., pumping voltage, bulk bias voltage, core voltage, peri-voltage). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently for faster settling time and lower current consumption, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a comparator to dynamically adjust voltage generation parameters based on real-time comparison between reference voltage and generated internal voltage. This parameter adjustment mechanism enables the circuit to rapidly converge to target voltage levels (reducing settling time) while optimizing current consumption by adjusting generation parameters according to actual needs.
2Speed
If the internal voltage generation circuit rapidly adjusts voltage to target level, then settling time is reduced, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation circuit uses periodic switching of voltage generation units controlled by the comparator. Instead of continuous high-current operation, the circuit employs periodic adjustment cycles where voltage is rapidly changed when needed (reducing settling time) and then maintained at stable levels (reducing current consumption), thus resolving the speed-energy contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the voltage generation circuit transitions between different operating states based on real-time voltage comparison results. The circuit dynamically adjusts generation parameters and switching states to achieve rapid voltage adjustment when voltage levels deviate from targets, then enters low-power steady-state operation, balancing speed and energy consumption.
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 approach reduces settling time and current consumption, enabling efficient and rapid internal voltage generation suitable for high-speed and low-power semiconductor device operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first internal voltage generation circuit configured to generate a reference internal voltage based on a setting code
Implementation Method 2
a second internal voltage generation circuit configured to generate the output internal voltage based on a switch control signal
Implementation Method 3
an internal voltage control circuit configured to generate an enable signal and a switch control signal based on a comparison result between a reference internal voltage and an output internal voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generation circuit may be provided. The internal voltage generation circuit may include a first internal voltage generation circuit configured to provide a reference internal voltage to either an internal voltage control circuit or a node at which an output internal voltage is generated. The internal voltage generation circuit may include a second internal voltage generation circuit configured to change a level of the output internal voltage. The internal voltage generation circuit may include an internal voltage control circuit configured to compare the reference internal voltage with the output internal voltage and control the first and second internal voltage generation circuits to change the level of the output internal voltage according to a comparison.