Memory Driving Circuit Smooth Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current memristor memory driving circuits face challenges in smoothly controlling the driving current during write and erase operations, particularly in the slow transition stage, which requires multiple current mirror circuits increasing circuit complexity and area.

Innovation Solution

A memory driving circuit incorporating a current source, switching units, a capacitive energy storage unit, and a voltage generating unit allows for adjustable current amplitude and change rate through selective switching, enabling smooth control of the driving current by storing energy and outputting currents selectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple current mirror circuits are used to adjust the driving current, then the current control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent control precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitive energy storage unit as an intermediary element between the current source and the memory element. This capacitor stores energy and releases it in a controlled manner, enabling smooth current transitions without requiring multiple complex current mirror circuits. The capacitor acts as a buffer that mediates the current flow, achieving precise current control through simpler circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the circuit by introducing a capacitive element that dynamically stores and releases energy. By controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor through switching units, the circuit achieves variable current amplitude and change rate. This parameter change approach allows smooth current adjustment without the need for multiple discrete current mirror circuits, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple current mirror circuits are used to adjust the driving current, then the current control precision is improved, but the area occupied by the circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent control precisionVSAvoidcircuit area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive energy storage unit serves as a compact intermediary that replaces the need for multiple current mirror circuits. By storing energy in a small capacitor and releasing it through controlled switching, the circuit achieves precise current control in a much smaller area than would be required for multiple current mirror configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple current mirror circuits into a single integrated structure comprising a current source, a capacitive energy storage unit, and switching units. This consolidation combines the current control functionality with energy storage and release mechanisms, achieving the same current precision with significantly reduced circuit area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the driving current is adjusted step-wisely using multiple current mirror circuits, then the current control is achieved, but the smoothness of current transition is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent controlVSAvoidcurrent transition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the dynamic charging and discharging characteristics of the capacitive energy storage unit to achieve continuous, smooth current transitions. By controlling the switching units that manage capacitor charge/discharge cycles, the circuit produces gradual current changes rather than step-wise adjustments. This dynamic parameter change ensures smooth current transitions while maintaining ease of control through the switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs periodic charging and discharging actions of the capacitive energy storage unit to generate smooth current transitions. The switching units control rhythmic energy transfer between the capacitor and the memory element, creating continuous current flow patterns that eliminate the step-wise discontinuities inherent in multiple current mirror circuit configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution simplifies the circuit design, avoids the step-wise adjustments of multiple current mirror circuits, and achieves smooth control of the driving current, enhancing the efficiency of memristor memory operations.

Implementation Method 1

The capacitive energy storage unit is configured to store energy according to the reference voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9401203B1Memory driving circuit
Publication Date: 2016.07.26 ALTO MEMORY TECH CORP
  • US9401203B1 patent drawing
  • US9401203B1 patent drawing
  • US9401203B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory driving circuit includes a current source configured to output a second current, a first switching unit configured to undergo switching to connect to the current source selectively to output the second current, a voltage generating unit configured to provide a reference voltage, a capacitive energy storage unit configured to store energy according to the reference voltage, a third switching unit configured to undergo switching to connect the voltage generating unit and the capacitive energy storage unit selectively, a second switching unit configured to undergo switching to connect the capacitive energy storage unit selectively to output a third current, and a current output terminal configured to output the second current, the third current, or the sum of the second current and the third current.