Internal Voltage Generator Adaptive Logic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal voltage generators in semiconductor devices face fluctuations in core voltage and increased current consumption due to analog comparison signals, and have slow response times in compensating for these fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

An internal voltage generator that includes a comparison block generating an analog comparison signal, a logic block converting this signal into a logic level, and two driving blocks that adaptively drive the output voltage based on the signal levels, with the second driving block enabled only when the voltage is below a threshold, providing a sink current path to stabilize the voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an analog comparison signal is used to control the driving block, then the core voltage can be adjusted continuously, but voltage fluctuations occur and current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the analog comparison signal into a logic-level signal (digital parameter change) to control the driving block. This parameter transformation eliminates continuous voltage adjustments that cause fluctuations, while maintaining precise voltage control through threshold-based logic levels. The analog signal is transformed into discrete digital states that provide stable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the analog control mechanism with a digital logic control mechanism. The analog comparison signal processing is substituted with logic block processing that generates logic-level control signals. This substitution eliminates the inherent instability of analog control while maintaining the ability to precisely control the core voltage through digital logic thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an analog comparison signal is used to control the driving block, then the voltage can be adjusted continuously, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the analog comparison signal into a logic-level signal, changing the parameter domain from continuous analog to discrete digital. This parameter change maintains voltage adjustment flexibility through logic-level control while significantly reducing current consumption by eliminating the continuous analog signal processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses logic-level signals that can be rapidly generated and discarded without the continuous energy expenditure required by analog signals. The logic block generates discrete control pulses that are energy-efficient compared to sustained analog voltage levels, reducing overall current consumption while maintaining control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a conventional feedback mechanism is used, then the voltage can be regulated, but the response time for compensating voltage changes is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional analog feedback mechanism with a digital logic-based feedback system. The logic block rapidly processes the comparison signal and generates immediate logic-level control signals, eliminating the slow response inherent in analog feedback loops. This substitution enables fast voltage compensation while maintaining regulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the logic block to preemptively convert the comparison signal to logic levels before the driving block executes the voltage adjustment. This preliminary digital processing prepares the control signal in advance, enabling faster response time compared to conventional analog feedback where the entire processing chain operates in real-time with inherent delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9690310B2Internal voltage generator of semiconductor device and method for driving the same

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 MIMIRIP LLC

AI summary

An internal voltage generator includes: a comparison block suitable for comparing an internal voltage with a reference voltage and generating a first comparison signal having an analog level corresponding to a comparison result a first driving block suitable for driving an output terminal of the internal voltage with a source voltage in response to the first comparison signal; a logic block suitable for generating a second comparison signal having a logic level based on the first comparison signal; and a second driving block suitable for driving the output terminal of the internal voltage with the source voltage based on the second comparison signal.