Internal Voltage Generator with Variable Oscillation Period
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal voltage generators in semiconductor devices face challenges in generating stable internal voltages with minimal voltage level variation and low power consumption, leading to unstable operations and unpredictable behavior due to prolonged detection signal activation and excessive current consumption.
Innovation Solution
An internal voltage generator design that includes a voltage level detector, an oscillation signal generator, and a pump, where the oscillation signal oscillates with a first period and transitions to a longer second period, controlling the charge pumping operation to maintain stable voltage levels and reduce current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional charge pumping operation is used to generate boosted voltage, then voltage level can be increased, but voltage level variation becomes excessive and operation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the charge pumping operation into multiple phases with different oscillation periods. The oscillation signal generator produces signals with varying periods (first period, second period, third period) to control the pumping operation in stages, which stabilizes the boosted voltage level by preventing excessive variation while maintaining the required voltage strength.
2Measurement precision
If detection signal activation period is prolonged to ensure stable voltage detection, then detection accuracy improves, but current consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the oscillation period variable rather than fixed. The oscillation signal generator dynamically adjusts the oscillation period through multiple phases (first, second, third periods) based on the detection signal state and voltage level requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows accurate voltage detection while minimizing current consumption by using longer periods only when necessary for stable detection.
3Productivity
If oscillation signal frequency is increased to speed up voltage generation, then productivity improves, but voltage level stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with multiple phases having different oscillation periods. The first oscillation period is shorter to enable faster voltage generation (higher productivity), while the second and third periods are longer to stabilize the voltage level. This multi-phase periodic approach balances generation speed with voltage stability.
4Reliability
If charge pumping operation continues until detection signal deactivation, then voltage level reaches target, but voltage level variation becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charge pumping operation into multiple distinct phases with different oscillation characteristics. The pumping operation is segmented into a first phase (with first oscillation period), second phase (with second oscillation period), and third phase (with third oscillation period). Each phase serves a specific purpose: initial voltage buildup, stabilization, and fine-tuning. This segmentation ensures the voltage reaches the target level reliably while preventing excessive variation through the progressive transition to longer periods.
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
The solution effectively stabilizes internal voltage generation, reduces voltage level variation, and minimizes current consumption, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to perform a charge pumping operation to output an internal voltage through the internal voltage terminal in response to the oscillation signal
Data Source
AI summary
An internal voltage generator of a semiconductor device consumes relatively small amount of driving current and generates a stable internal voltage with relatively small voltage level variation. The semiconductor device includes an oscillator configured to generate an oscillation signal in response to an input signal, wherein the oscillation signal oscillates with a first period and oscillates with a second period longer than the first period during a predetermined latter section, and an internal circuit configured to perform a predetermined operation in response to the oscillation signal.