Nonvolatile Memory Charge Pump Voltage Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices face operational instability and reliability issues due to mismatched power supply voltage modes, leading to potential device destruction or inadequate step-up levels when switching between low and high power supply voltage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory system with a charge pump, distributor, and sequencer that selectively switches control sequences based on detected power supply voltage modes, using an analyzer to notify the sequencer of power supply voltage modes and limit operations to prevent excessive step-up or shortage, and includes a holding circuit to maintain stable voltage modes during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge pump operates with a fixed control sequence designed for low power supply voltage, then it can operate reliably at low voltage, but it causes excessive step-up voltage and potential device destruction when high power supply voltage is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charge pump control sequence adjustable based on power supply voltage conditions. The system transitions from a fixed control sequence to a dynamic one that adapts to varying voltage levels, allowing the charge pump to operate safely at both low and high voltages by selecting appropriate control sequences that prevent excessive step-up voltage generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter (control sequence) based on the power supply voltage level. By detecting whether the power supply voltage is high or low and selecting the corresponding control sequence, the system optimizes the charge pump operation to avoid harmful excessive voltage generation while maintaining reliable operation across different voltage conditions
2Power
If the charge pump operates with a fixed control sequence designed for high power supply voltage, then it can achieve adequate step-up levels at high voltage, but it fails to reach necessary step-up levels when low power supply voltage is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects control sequences based on detected power supply voltage levels. When low voltage is detected, the system switches to a control sequence optimized for low voltage operation that ensures adequate step-up voltage generation. When high voltage is detected, it switches to a control sequence appropriate for high voltage conditions, thereby maintaining reliable operation across the full voltage range
Solution Approach 2:
The control parameter (control sequence) is changed according to the power supply voltage detection result. This parameter change enables the charge pump to achieve the necessary step-up voltage levels at both low and high power supply voltages by selecting the appropriate control sequence for each voltage condition, ensuring operational reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply voltage mode changes during write or erase operations, then the system can adapt to voltage fluctuations, but it causes circuit malfunction and verify reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage detection and mode selection before initiating write or erase operations. By determining the appropriate power supply voltage mode in advance and setting it before operations begin, the system prevents mode changes during critical operations, thereby avoiding circuit malfunctions and ensuring verify reliability while maintaining voltage adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against potential voltage mode changes during operations by establishing the power supply voltage mode beforehand and maintaining it throughout the operation. This prior cushioning prevents harmful mode transitions during write or erase operations, protecting circuit reliability and verify accuracy while still allowing the system to adapt to different voltage conditions
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
Ensures operational stability and reliability in multiple power supply voltage modes by preventing device destruction and ensuring proper step-up levels, allowing for efficient write and erase operations across varying voltage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump (152) which is able to step up supplied power supply voltage, and to output the step-up voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Operational stability of the nonvolatile memory in plural power supply voltage modes set up in advance corresponding to the power supply voltage level is realized. A nonvolatile memory is configured with a memory array, a charge pump, a distributor for selecting an output voltage of the charge pump, and a sequencer for controlling operation of the charge pump and the distributor. The nonvolatile memory is also provided with an analyzer which notifies the sequencer of a power supply voltage mode selectively specified among plural power supply voltage modes set up in advance corresponding to power supply voltage levels, and which detects mismatch between the power supply voltage mode notified to the sequencer and an actually supplied power supply voltage and limits the operation of the charge pump and the distributor with the use of the sequencer, based on the detection result. An operational stability of the nonvolatile memory is realized.