Negative Voltage Pumping Unit Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of pumping voltage in semiconductor apparatuses is inefficient, leading to higher power consumption compared to other internal voltage generation methods, which hinders the development of low-power semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus is designed with a negative voltage pumping unit that includes a driver and a capacitor to generate a negative voltage, utilizing an external high-voltage and external voltage to perform a pumping operation, and an internal circuit coupled to a ground voltage, with sensing units to control the oscillator signal and frequency, reducing power consumption by reusing current for both pumping and internal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a pumping operation is used to generate a negative voltage, then the required voltage level is achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the negative voltage pumping operation with the internal circuit operation by sharing the same current source. The current that would otherwise be wasted during the pumping phase is reused to supply the internal circuit, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing total power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The current source is designed to perform multiple functions: it supplies current for the pumping operation to generate negative voltage, and simultaneously serves as the power supply for the internal circuit. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate power consumption sources.
2Reliability
If a separate power supply is used for the internal circuit, then the circuit operation is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function for the internal circuit with the pumping operation. The same current source that drives the pumping capacitor also powers the internal circuit, eliminating the need for a separate power supply structure and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current source is designed as a universal component that serves dual purposes: generating the pumping current for negative voltage generation and providing operating current for the internal circuit, thereby simplifying the overall power supply architecture.
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 design reduces current consumption and rapidly lowers the negative voltage to target levels, achieving lower power consumption compared to traditional semiconductor apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor configured to perform a pumping operation and generate a negative voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A negative voltage pumping unit including a driver configured to receive an external high-voltage and an external voltage and drive and output an oscillator signal, and a capacitor configured to perform a pumping operation and generate a negative voltage; and an internal circuit configured to receive a ground voltage and the voltage of a node.