Memory Voltage Regulator with Fast and Large Unit Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power consumption and load current in flash memory devices lead to a larger voltage generating circuit, which in turn increases the area of the device, making it challenging to enhance load current without expanding the circuit size.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with multiple driving blocks, including fast and large unit drivers, is implemented to generate internal voltages efficiently, allowing for quick response to load current changes while maintaining stability, thus reducing the need for additional area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of the voltage generating circuit is increased to handle higher power consumption and load current, then the load current capability is improved, but the area of the flash memory device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generating circuit is divided into multiple driving blocks (first driving block, second driving block, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the circuit to provide different current levels by activating specific blocks, thereby handling variable load current demands without requiring a uniformly large circuit area for all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage generating circuit employs dynamic control by selectively enabling or disabling driving blocks based on the current load requirements. The circuit transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where the active circuit area adapts to the instantaneous power consumption needs, optimizing the balance between load current capability and area utilization.
2Power
If multiple driving blocks are used to increase load current capability, then the power delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the voltage generating circuit into identical or similar driving blocks, the design achieves modularity. Each block performs the same function but can be independently controlled, simplifying the overall control logic compared to designing a completely custom high-current path, while still providing the necessary current capability through parallel operation of multiple blocks.
3Power
If a larger voltage generating circuit is designed to handle peak load current, then the maximum power delivery is improved, but the area is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generating circuit implements dynamic area utilization by activating only the necessary number of driving blocks based on instantaneous load requirements. During peak current demands, all blocks can be activated to provide maximum current capability, while during normal operation, only a subset of blocks remains active, effectively reducing the average area utilization and allowing for more efficient space management in the flash memory device.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device may include a reference voltage generator that generates a reference voltage, a voltage regulator that includes a plurality of driving blocks generating an internal voltage based on the reference voltage, and a power line that receives the internal voltage. At least one of the plurality of driving blocks may include a first unit driver that generates a first output current flowing through the power line based on the reference voltage and a change in the internal voltage, and a second unit driver that generates a second output current larger than the first output current flowing through the power line, based on the reference voltage and the change in the internal voltage. The first unit driver may generate the first output current faster than the second output current of the second unit driver.