Internal Voltage Generator Clock Control Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal voltage generators in semiconductor devices experience unnecessary current consumption due to excessive toggling of the control clock, leading to inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

An internal voltage generator is designed with a clock control unit that restricts the toggling period of the control clock, generating a pumping control clock with set and reset pulses to minimize unnecessary toggling and reduce current consumption, while maintaining the internal voltage generation based on this controlled clock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the pumping clock toggles frequently to generate the pump voltage, then the internal voltage generation speed is improved, but the current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal voltage generation speedVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pump control unit continuously compares the generated pump voltage with a reference voltage. The pumping enable signal is generated based on this comparison, activating the charge pump only when the pump voltage is lower than the reference voltage. This feedback control prevents unnecessary toggling of the pumping clock, reducing current consumption while maintaining efficient voltage generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the toggling behavior of the pumping clock based on real-time voltage conditions. The clock control unit modifies the pumping clock's toggling frequency and duration according to the comparison result between pump voltage and reference voltage, transitioning from fixed-frequency operation to adaptive, condition-based operation that optimizes both speed and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the pumping clock toggles unnecessarily during the active duration of the pumping enable signal, then the voltage generation completes faster, but unnecessary current is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation efficiencyVSAvoidunnecessary current consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by generating the pumping enable signal only for the duration necessary to reach the reference voltage level. The clock control unit restricts the pumping clock to toggle only during the period when voltage generation is actually needed, avoiding excessive toggling that would consume unnecessary current while still achieving the required voltage generation productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the charge pump generates voltage based on a continuously toggling clock, then the voltage reaches the target level faster, but the capacitor discharges repeatedly causing current waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage charging speedVSAvoidcurrent consumption during capacitor discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism monitors the pump voltage level and controls the pumping enable signal duration accordingly. The pumping clock is restricted to toggle only while the pump voltage is below the reference voltage, preventing repeated capacitor discharge cycles that would occur with continuous toggling. This maintains fast charging speed while eliminating energy waste from unnecessary discharge events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 the toggling number of the control clock, thereby preventing unnecessary current consumption and enhancing the efficiency of internal voltage generation in semiconductor devices.

Implementation Method 1

The charge pump 14_3 generates the pump voltage VPUMP based on the pumping clock PUMP_CLK. The charge pump 14_3 may include a capacitor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The charge pump circuit generates the internal voltage through a charge pumping method based on a reference voltage corresponding to a target level.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pumping:

Data Source

PatentUS9134749B2Internal voltage generator and method of generating internal voltage

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

An internal voltage generator includes an internal voltage control unit suitable for generate an enable signal based on a voltage level of an internal voltage, a clock control unit suitable for generate a control clock having a restricted toggling period based on the enable signal and a clock while controlling the toggling number of the control clock, and an internal voltage generation unit suitable for generate the internal voltage based on the control clock.