Regulating Transistor Power Supply for NVM Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supplying current to non-volatile memory arrays face challenges in maintaining stable and accurate output voltage due to variable resistance and capacitance across different operations, leading to delays and sensing voltage errors during sensing operations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a regulating transistor and ancillary circuit branches that include a high voltage source, discharge circuit, and bulk voltage adjusting circuit, which selectively discharges and reduces bulk voltage to maintain target output voltage, is used to rapidly respond to variable loads and currents in non-volatile memory arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional current supply methods are used for non-volatile memory arrays, then the circuit structure is simple, but the output voltage becomes unstable and inaccurate due to variable resistance and capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bulk voltage of the regulating transistor is dynamically adjusted based on the output voltage level. When the output voltage exceeds the target voltage, the bulk voltage is reduced, which increases the threshold voltage of the regulating transistor and reduces the output voltage. This feedback loop maintains stable and accurate output voltage despite variable loads and currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bulk voltage of the regulating transistor dynamic rather than fixed. The bulk voltage is selectively reduced based on the output voltage condition, allowing the transistor's threshold voltage to adapt dynamically. This dynamic adjustment enables the circuit to rapidly respond to variable loads and maintain stable output voltage.
2Measurement precision
If conventional current supply methods are used, then the circuit is simple, but delays and sensing voltage errors occur during sensing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism ensures that the output voltage remains accurate during sensing operations by continuously monitoring and adjusting the bulk voltage. This eliminates sensing voltage errors that would otherwise occur due to variable resistance and capacitance in the memory array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the power supply circuit to rapidly respond to load changes by having the bulk voltage adjusting circuit ready to modify the bulk voltage when needed. This preliminary preparation reduces delays during sensing operations by ensuring the output voltage can be quickly stabilized at the target level.
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 ensures stable and accurate output voltage across varying loads and currents, reducing delays and sensing errors by correlating discharge current and bulk voltage reduction with the voltage level, thereby enhancing the performance of non-volatile memory array operations.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply circuit with a regulating transistor and ancillary circuit branches that include a high voltage source, discharge circuit, and bulk voltage adjusting circuit, which selectively discharges and reduces bulk voltage to maintain target output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, circuits, apparatuses and systems for providing power to a dynamic load such as a non-volatile memory array. According to embodiments, a voltage source may be adapted to generate and output a supply current at substantially a target voltage through a regulating transistor whose channel is in series between an output terminal of said charge pump and an input terminal of said NVM array. A discharge circuit branch coupled to an output terminal of the regulating transistor may be adapted to drain away current from the regulating transistor output terminal when a voltage at the regulating transistor output terminal exceeds a first defined threshold voltage. A bulk regulating circuit branch coupled to a bulk of the regulating transistor may be adapted to reduce a bulk-voltage of the regulating transistor when a voltage at the regulating transistor output terminal exceeds a defined threshold voltage.