Multi-regulator Circuit for Multiple Voltage Levels

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of regulator circuits in integrated circuits, such as semiconductor memory devices, leads to increased circuit area and power consumption due to the need for multiple operating voltages, which complicates voltage regulation and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-regulator circuit that uses a set of regulator circuits to generate multiple voltage levels through a single regulator, employing voltage division circuits with resistors and transistors controlled by digital codes to output various voltages, reducing the number of necessary regulator circuits and minimizing circuit area and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple regulator circuits are used to provide multiple operating voltages, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but circuit area and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single regulator circuit that can generate multiple different output voltages (e.g., 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V) by using a voltage selection mechanism. The regulator circuit includes multiple voltage division circuits with different resistance ratios, and a selection circuit that chooses which voltage division circuit to activate based on the required operating voltage. This allows one regulator circuit to perform the function of multiple regulator circuits, reducing circuit area while maintaining voltage regulation capability for multiple operating voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple regulator circuits are used to provide multiple operating voltages, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single regulator circuit that can generate multiple different output voltages (e.g., 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V) by using a voltage selection mechanism. The regulator circuit includes multiple voltage division circuits with different resistance ratios, and a selection circuit that chooses which voltage division circuit to activate based on the required operating voltage. This allows one regulator circuit to perform the function of multiple regulator circuits, reducing circuit area while maintaining voltage regulation capability for multiple operating voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple regulator circuits are used, then multiple operating voltages can be regulated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voltage regulation function into modular components: a single regulator core circuit, multiple voltage division circuits with different resistance ratios, and a selection control mechanism. Each voltage division circuit is a simple resistive divider that can be independently configured. The selection circuit chooses which voltage division circuit to activate based on digital control signals. This segmentation allows the complex function of multiple regulator circuits to be achieved through coordinated simple modules, reducing overall device complexity.

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

The multi-regulator circuit effectively outputs multiple voltage levels using a single regulator circuit, reducing circuit area and power consumption while maintaining voltage regulation efficiency, thereby addressing the challenges of increased operating voltages in integrated circuits.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of voltage division circuits includes a plurality of resistors coupled in series between the output terminal of the regulator and a ground node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage division: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8736356B2Multi-regulator circuit and integrated circuit including the same

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A multi-regulator circuit comprises a regulator configured to regulate an input voltage to generate a constant voltage, and a plurality of voltage division circuits configured to output divided voltages which are obtained by dividing the constant voltage on the basis of a plurality of voltage generation codes, respectively.