Negative Charge Pump Series-Parallel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional negative charge pumps have poor current efficiency, typically below 50%, leading to higher current consumption, which is undesirable for low-power memory applications.
Innovation Solution
The negative charge pump achieves higher current efficiency by switching multiple flying capacitors alternately into serial and parallel interconnection, charging them in series during the pre-charge period and discharging in parallel during the pump period, utilizing switches such as field-effect transistors to manage the capacitors' connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional negative charge pump topology is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but current efficiency deteriorates (below 50%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the capacitor network configuration changeable over time. The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations of flying capacitors using control signals, allowing the charge pump to adapt its topology during operation to achieve higher current efficiency while managing complexity through controlled dynamic reconfiguration.
2Loss of energy
If multiple flying capacitors are switched between serial and parallel configurations, then current efficiency improves (67% or higher), but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the capacitor network into separate flying capacitors (first, second, and third flying capacitors) that can be independently connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve superior current efficiency through series-parallel switching while managing complexity by organizing capacitors into modular units with defined connection patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the alternating switching between series and parallel configurations of the flying capacitors. The charge pump operates in periodic cycles, switching the capacitor network topology at regular intervals to transfer charge efficiently, which maintains high current efficiency while the periodic nature provides predictable timing for the increased complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high current efficiency is achieved through capacitor switching, then current consumption is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the flying capacitors and switching network to serve multiple functions. The same capacitor network is used for both charge storage and voltage transformation, while the switching mechanism simultaneously manages series and parallel configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated operation.
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 achieves current efficiency of 67% or higher, representing a 25% improvement over traditional methods, reducing current consumption and enhancing the efficiency of low-power memory devices.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor network including a first flying capacitor, a second flying capacitor, and a third flying capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of converting a positive voltage to a negative voltage includes applying an input signal having intermittent high- (e.g., positive-) and low (e.g., zero or ground) levels to a capacitor network having two or more capacitors; configuring the network into a serial configuration, in which the capacitors are connected to each other in series; charging the capacitors connected in series with the input signal during a pre-charge period, during which the input signal level is high; subsequently, during a pump period, during which the input signal level is low, configuring the network into a parallel configuration, in which the capacitors are connected to each other in parallel; and discharging the capacitors connected in parallel to an output. A negative charge pump includes a network of two or more capacitors, and switches and adapted to switch the capacitor network between a serial configuration, in which the capacitors are connected to each other in series, and a parallel configuration, in which the capacitors are connected to each other in parallel. The negative charge pump has an input adapted to receive an input signal having intermittent high- and low levels, and an output. The switches are adapted to switch the capacitor network into the serial configuration when the input signal is high and switch the switch the capacitor network into the parallel configuration when the input signal is low (e.g., zero or ground level).