Memory Power-On-Reset Circuit for PVT-Robust Voltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-on-reset (POR) circuitries in memory sub-systems are limited by their inability to accurately monitor power supply voltage due to process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variation effects, leading to false indications of sufficient power supply voltage for resetting the memory sub-system.
Innovation Solution
A POR component that includes multiple voltage generators to produce respective voltages based on the power supply voltage, utilizing one voltage that is relatively insensitive to PVT variations to ensure the reliability of another voltage as a measurement for the power supply voltage level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single voltage generator is used to monitor power supply voltage, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to PVT variation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring function is segmented into multiple independent voltage generators (first voltage generator and second voltage generator), each producing a different voltage (first voltage and second voltage) that responds differently to PVT variations. This segmentation allows the system to compare multiple voltage measurements to identify the accurate one, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of voltage generation by using different voltage generators with different characteristics (one sensitive to PVT variations, one relatively insensitive). By varying the voltage generation parameters and comparing the outputs, the system can detect and compensate for PVT effects, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall circuit complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple voltage generators are used to compensate for PVT variations, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the comparator continuously compares the first voltage and second voltage, and the logic circuit adjusts the reset signal generation based on this comparison. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically compensate for PVT variations by selecting the appropriate voltage measurement, improving precision while keeping the complexity increase minimal through efficient feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The comparator and logic circuit act as intermediaries that mediate between the multiple voltage generators and the final reset control. These intermediary components efficiently process the voltage comparisons and coordinate the outputs, reducing the overall system complexity by providing a clear intermediate processing layer rather than requiring complex direct integration of all voltage generators.
3Productivity
If the power-on-reset triggers early based on inaccurate voltage measurement, then the productivity increases by avoiding false resets, but the reliability decreases due to insufficient power supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary comparison and validation of multiple voltage measurements before triggering the reset operation. By using the comparator and logic circuit to pre-validate that the power supply voltage is genuinely sufficient (not just appearing sufficient due to PVT effects), the system ensures reliable reset triggering. This preliminary action prevents both false early resets and delayed resets, optimizing both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system can include a voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage, a power-up voltage, and a replicated voltage based on a power supply voltage. The system can further include a logic sub-component coupled to the voltage generator and configured to output a reset signal based on a comparison of the reference voltage to the power-up voltage and an indication that the reference voltage that has entered a steady state and is reliable as a measurement with respect to a voltage level of the power supply voltage. The indication can be determined based on a comparison of the replicated voltage to a particular threshold voltage level.