Internal Power Generation Circuit for Memory Standby and Active Modes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in managing power consumption efficiently, particularly in distinguishing between standby and active modes, requiring an appropriate technology for generating internal power to minimize power usage in standby mode while optimizing performance in active mode.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an internal power generating circuit that generates a single standby reference voltage during standby mode for common supply to multiple internal circuits and multiple active reference voltages during active mode, allowing independent control of power signals to individual circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple reference generation circuits are used for each internal circuit, then power can be individually controlled in active mode, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent power control to internal circuitsVSAvoidStandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reference generation circuit is segmented into multiple independent reference generation units, each corresponding to a specific internal circuit. During active mode, individual units can be activated to provide independent power control. During standby mode, only essential reference generation remains active, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability for granular control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference generation circuit implements dynamic operation by adapting its functionality based on operational mode. The circuit transitions between a simplified standby configuration with reduced power consumption and a full active configuration with individual circuit control, allowing the system to optimize power usage based on real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If one reference generation circuit is used for all internal circuits, then standby power consumption is reduced, but individual power control in active mode is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveStandby power consumptionVSAvoidIndividual power control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each reference generation unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both universal and specific purposes. The units can operate collectively during standby mode to provide common reference voltage, and individually during active mode to provide circuit-specific power control, thus achieving both power efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference generation circuit implements dynamic operation by adapting its functionality based on operational mode. The circuit transitions between a simplified standby configuration with reduced power consumption and a full active configuration with individual circuit control, allowing the system to optimize power usage based on real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple reference generation circuits are used, then performance in active mode is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePerformance in active modeVSAvoidNumber of reference generation circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference generation circuit is segmented into multiple independent reference generation units, each corresponding to a specific internal circuit. During active mode, individual units can be activated to provide independent power control. During standby mode, only essential reference generation remains active, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability for granular control when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple reference generation units share common structural elements and control logic, allowing them to be implemented with reduced individual complexity. The units can be merged at the architectural level while maintaining operational independence, thus achieving high performance without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces standby power consumption and enhances performance in active mode by optimizing power usage and supply to internal circuits, utilizing a bandgap voltage reference circuit for stability across varying environments.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a bandgap voltage reference circuit for stability across varying environments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBandgap voltage reference:

Data Source

PatentUS20260066009A1Memory device including internal power generating circuit and method of supplying internal power thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A memory device includes a plurality of internal circuits, and an internal power generating circuit electrically coupled to the plurality of internal circuits. The internal power generating circuit is configured to: (i) generate a standby reference voltage based on an external supply power signal, and supply a standby internal power signal generated in response to the standby reference voltage to the plurality of internal circuits during a standby mode, and (ii) generate a plurality of active reference voltages based on the external supply power signal, and supply each of a plurality of active internal power signals generated in response to respective ones of the plurality of active reference voltages to corresponding ones of the plurality of internal circuits during an active mode.