Internal Voltage Generator with Dual Reference Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining a constant internal power voltage across various external power voltage levels, leading to inefficiencies and increased current consumption due to complex comparator circuits required for voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
An internal voltage generator system comprising a controller, a reference voltage generation block with first and second reference voltage generators, and a voltage regulator, which uses selective reference voltages based on external and internal power voltages to maintain a constant internal voltage level, reducing complexity and current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional voltage regulator with a single reference voltage generator is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it cannot maintain a constant internal power voltage across various external power voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage generation function is segmented into two separate generators: a first reference voltage generator that operates with external power voltage, and a second reference voltage generator that operates with internal power voltage. This segmentation allows each generator to be optimized for its specific operating range, enabling the system to maintain constant internal power voltage across various external power voltage levels while managing complexity through functional division.
2Reliability
If a conventional voltage regulator with complex comparator circuits is used to maintain constant internal voltage, then the internal voltage stability is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the first reference voltage generator (operating with external power voltage) and the second reference voltage generator (operating with internal power voltage) based on the external power voltage level. This dynamic operation allows the voltage regulator to maintain stable internal voltage while optimizing current consumption by selecting the appropriate reference voltage source for each operating condition, avoiding the need for continuously complex comparator circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generator and method are provided, the internal voltage generator including a first reference voltage generator for receiving an external voltage and providing a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage generator for receiving an internal voltage and providing a second reference voltage, and a voltage regulator in signal communication with the first reference voltage generator and/or the second reference voltage generator for receiving one of the first and second reference voltages and providing the internal voltage; and the method for generating an internal voltage including receiving an external voltage, generating a first reference voltage responsive to the received external voltage, regulating an internal voltage in correspondence with the first reference voltage, generating a second reference voltage responsive to the internal voltage, and regulating the internal voltage in correspondence with the second reference voltage.