Low Power High Voltage Regulator for Non-Volatile Memory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage regulators for non-volatile memory devices consume high power, which is inefficient for programming and erasing data in flash memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A low-power high-voltage regulator design incorporating a charge pump, voltage regulator, and oscillator circuit with a buffer circuit and current mirrors to generate controlled signals for efficient voltage regulation and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional high-voltage regulator is used to generate high voltage for programming and erasing data in non-volatile memory devices, then the required high voltage can be generated, but the power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit operates in periodic cycles, switching between pumping phases and regulation phases. The regulator periodically adjusts the charge pump operation based on feedback, enabling high voltage generation only when needed rather than continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the required high voltage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator dynamically adjusts the operation of the charge pump circuit based on real-time feedback from the high voltage output. The control circuit modifies pumping parameters such as switching frequency and duty cycle adaptively, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining stable high voltage generation under varying load conditions
2Speed
If the charge pump circuit operates at high frequency to respond quickly to regulation demands, then the response speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts the oscillation frequency of the charge pump based on regulation demands. When rapid response is needed, the frequency increases temporarily; when stable operation is sufficient, the frequency decreases to reduce power consumption. This dynamic frequency adjustment allows the system to optimize between response speed and power usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including oscillation frequency and pumping amplitude based on feedback signals. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the charge pump can achieve fast response when necessary while operating at lower power consumption levels during stable regulation 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 provides a low-power consuming high-voltage regulator that effectively generates internal voltages for non-volatile memory devices, reducing power consumption and frequency characteristics, thereby improving the efficiency of data programming and erasing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump configured to generate a high voltage
Implementation Method 2
an operational amplifier having a first input coupled to the first control signal, a second input coupled to a reference voltage, and an output coupled to a gate of the first transistor
Implementation Method 3
an oscillator circuit having an oscillator frequency. The oscillator circuit may include a control circuit to generate control signals for the charge pump
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage regulator includes a charge pump for generating a high voltage, a voltage regulator for generating a regulated voltage, and an oscillator having an oscillation frequency. The voltage regulator includes an operational amplifier having the high voltage as power supply, a first input, a second input coupled to a voltage reference, and an output. The voltage regulator further includes a first transistor having gate coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, a first terminal coupled to the high voltage and a second terminal coupled to a first voltage divider. The first voltage divider generates a first divided voltage that is coupled to the first input of the operational amplifier. The voltage regulator also includes a second voltage divider for providing a second divided voltage, wherein the second divided voltage controls the oscillator frequency.