Memory Regulator Feedback Divider for Stable Output Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices face challenges in maintaining stable operating voltages due to variations in power supply voltages, leading to inefficiencies in voltage control, which can affect the reliability and performance of memory operations.

Innovation Solution

A regulator is designed with a comparator, output voltage generator, voltage divider, and output voltage controller that adjust the resistance values of resistors and reference voltage to precisely match the output voltage to a target voltage, using a feedback mechanism to ensure stable voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a regulator uses a fixed resistance voltage divider to generate feedback voltage, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage control precision is insufficient due to power supply voltage variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed resistance voltage divider into a dynamic configuration where resistors can be selectively connected or disconnected based on power supply voltage ranges. The resistance control circuit adjusts the effective resistance values in real-time according to detected voltage levels, enabling adaptive feedback voltage generation that maintains precision across varying power supply conditions without requiring a completely complex circuit redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the resistance values in the voltage divider circuit based on the detected power supply voltage range. The resistance control circuit changes the effective resistance parameters of the voltage divider resistors dynamically, allowing the feedback voltage to be accurately scaled for different operating conditions. This parameter adjustment enables precise voltage control while maintaining circuit simplicity through controlled variability rather than complete reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the regulator adjusts resistance values dynamically to improve voltage control, then voltage stability improves, but the control circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the output voltage as a feedback signal that is compared against reference voltages representing different power supply ranges. The comparator circuit generates control signals based on this feedback comparison, which then drive the resistance control circuit to adjust the voltage divider resistors accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability while keeping the control logic relatively simple through threshold-based decision making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The regulator implements self-service by automatically detecting the power supply voltage range and autonomously adjusting its own resistance parameters without external intervention. The resistance control circuit monitors the feedback voltage and reference voltages, then self-adjusts the voltage divider configuration to maintain optimal operating conditions. This self-regulating capability improves voltage stability while minimizing the need for complex external control circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single voltage divider configuration is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different power supply voltage ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to power supply rangesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply voltage range into multiple segments or zones, each with its own reference voltage. The comparator circuit segments the control decision space by comparing the feedback voltage against these segmented reference levels. Based on which segment the operating point falls into, the resistance control circuit selectively activates specific resistor connections, enabling the single voltage divider to adapt to different power supply ranges through segmented control logic rather than requiring multiple complete voltage divider circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances voltage control capabilities, ensuring that the operating voltage remains within target ranges, thereby improving the reliability and performance of memory devices by maintaining stable voltage levels.

Implementation Method 1

a comparator configured to generate a comparison voltage by comparing a reference voltage with a feedback voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

a voltage divider including a first resistor and a second resistor, which generate the feedback voltage by dividing the output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive voltage division: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10930322B2Regulator and memory device having the same
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SK HYNIX INC
  • US10930322B2 patent drawing
  • US10930322B2 patent drawing
  • US10930322B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A regulator having improved voltage control capability may include a comparator, an output voltage generator, a voltage divider, and an output voltage controller. The comparator generates a comparison voltage by comparing a reference voltage with a feedback voltage. The output voltage generator generates an output voltage by using a power supply voltage, based on the comparison voltage. The voltage divider may include a first resistor and a second resistor, which generate the feedback voltage by dividing the output voltage. The output voltage controller adjusts a resistance value of at least one of the first resistor and the second resistor, based on a result of comparing the output voltage with a target voltage.