Oxide Semiconductor Memory Circuit With Capacitive Voltage Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices require multiple power sources and circuit configurations to manage different voltage levels, leading to increased complexity, circuit area, and power consumption, particularly in memory systems where multiple memory cells and controllers are needed.
Innovation Solution
A circuit configuration using oxide semiconductors that eliminates the need for level shifters or voltage generation circuits by employing capacitive coupling to generate and utilize potentials higher than a single power source, incorporating transistors and capacitors to manage voltage levels without additional circuit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources and voltage generation circuits are used to manage different voltage levels, then the required voltage levels can be achieved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage generation functions into a single circuit configuration. The first and second capacitors work together with the transistors to generate both first and second power sources with different voltage levels from a single input, eliminating the need for separate voltage generation circuits for each power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration performs multiple functions using a unified structure. The same circuit elements (capacitors, transistors) are used to generate multiple power sources, charge storage capacitors, and control voltage levels across different memory cells, making the circuit universally applicable for various voltage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources and voltage generation circuits are used, then different voltage levels can be generated, but the number of terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power source outputs are merged into a unified circuit structure. The first and second capacitors share common connections with the transistors and memory cells, allowing multiple voltage levels to be delivered through a reduced set of terminals compared to separate voltage generation circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If level shifters are added to manage voltage levels, then voltage compatibility is improved, but the circuit area expands
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage level adjustment function is merged into the existing memory cell circuit structure. The capacitors and transistors that are already present in the memory cell are used to generate and regulate voltage levels, eliminating the need for separate level shifter circuits and reducing overall circuit area.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional circuit elements are added for voltage management, then voltage control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit elements serve multiple functions simultaneously. The capacitors and transistors that control voltage levels are the same elements that perform memory storage and data operations, eliminating the need for additional dedicated voltage control circuits that would consume extra power.
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 simplifies circuit design, reduces the number of terminals and elements, minimizes power consumption, and prevents circuit area expansion, enabling efficient memory control and data writing across multiple memory cells.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit configuration which does not use a level shifter or a voltage generation circuit (a boosting circuit) and does not bring circuit complication, and which includes an additional circuit element for generating capacitive coupling, and generates and utilizes a potential higher than or equal to a potential of a single power source
Data Source
AI summary
Since power source voltages are different depending on circuits used for devices, a circuit for outputting at least two or more power sources is additionally prepared. An object is to unify outputs of the power source voltages. A transistor using an oxide semiconductor is provided in such a manner that electrical charge is retained in a node where the transistor and a capacitor are electrically connected to each other, a reset signal is applied to a gate of the transistor to switch the states of the transistor from off to on, and the node is reset when the transistor is on. A circuit configuration that generates and utilizes a potential higher than or equal to a potential of a single power source can be achieved.