On-Chip Voltage Generator for Back-Biasing FETs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage generators for back-biasing field effect transistors (FETs) are limited to single trimming modes, unable to generate selectable voltages across both positive and negative ranges, which restricts their ability to fine-tune threshold voltages and switching speeds in integrated circuits, particularly in advanced technology nodes like 22 nm FDSOI.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generator with two selectively operable voltage generation circuits, each capable of single or dual trimming modes, allowing for voltage range shifts to enable both positive and negative trimming, thereby accommodating various FET types and threshold voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage generators use separate single-trimming mode circuits for positive and negative voltages, then each circuit is simple and dedicated, but the overall device cannot perform dual trimming modes and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in positive trimming mode only, negative trimming mode only, or dual trimming mode with both positive and negative voltages. This is achieved through configurable circuit elements that allow the same hardware to adapt to different trimming requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage generation circuit incorporates dynamic switching mechanisms that allow it to change its operating mode based on control signals. The circuit can dynamically adjust between generating only positive voltages, only negative voltages, or both positive and negative voltages, providing flexibility without requiring multiple static circuit configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage generation circuit operates in dual trimming mode with shifted voltage ranges, then both positive and negative trimming are enabled, but the voltage range for each polarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generation circuit uses dynamic switching to allocate voltage ranges based on operational needs. When dual trimming mode is activated, the circuit dynamically shifts voltage ranges to provide both positive and negative voltages. The control logic dynamically adjusts which voltage range is active for each polarity, allowing the system to adapt between full-range single-mode operation and reduced-range dual-mode operation as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a voltage generator that includes a first voltage generation circuit and a second voltage generation circuit. The first voltage generation circuit is selectively operable in a single trimming mode enabling positive trimming only or in a dual trimming mode that shifts the voltage range downward enabling a somewhat smaller amount of positive trimming and also some negative trimming. The second voltage generation circuit is selectively operable in a single trimming mode enabling negative trimming only or in a dual trimming mode that shifts the voltage range upward enabling a somewhat smaller amount of negative trimming and also some positive trimming. Also disclosed is an integrated circuit (IC) chip that incorporates one or more such voltage generators for back-biasing the field effect transistors in one or more circuit blocks, respectively.