Oxide Semiconductor Transistor Power Supply Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently managing power supply voltage to signal processing circuits, particularly in reducing power consumption during periods of inactivity and resuming power supply without constant voltage supply.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a power supply control circuit using transistors with oxide semiconductor channels, where one transistor is controlled by an interrupt signal and the other by a power stopping signal, allowing for precise control of power supply to the signal processing circuit, reducing cutoff current and eliminating the need for constant power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional transistor is used in the power supply control circuit, then the circuit can be manufactured with standard processes, but the cutoff current is too high causing excessive power consumption during inactive periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the transistor from conventional semiconductor to oxide semiconductor, which fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics to achieve extremely low cutoff current (1aA or less) while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining oxide semiconductor layer with conventional semiconductor materials, creating a hybrid transistor that leverages the low leakage properties of oxide semiconductor while maintaining manufacturability through established fabrication techniques
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply voltage is constantly supplied to the signal processing circuit, then the circuit can resume operation immediately, but power consumption increases during periods when data is not input and output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using nonvolatile storage devices to pre-store data before power supply is stopped, ensuring data persistence and enabling rapid resume operation without data loss when power is restored
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic power supply control where the power supply control circuit periodically stops and resumes power supply based on activity detection, reducing average power consumption while maintaining operational readiness through the nonvolatile storage buffer
3Loss of energy
If power supply is stopped to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but a reliable power supply control circuit is needed to manage voltage supply and resumption
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control circuit uses oxide semiconductor transistors that inherently maintain their off-state with extremely low cutoff current, providing self-service capability to maintain power supply state without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional retention circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide semiconductor transistor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the power supply switch and the data storage element due to its ability to maintain off-state and work with nonvolatile storage, simplifying the overall control circuit 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 solution effectively reduces power consumption by minimizing cutoff current during active and inactive periods and eliminates the need for constant power supply, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an oxide semiconductor has a wide band gap and a low intrinsic carrier density. Accordingly, a cutoff current generated in the oxide semiconductor layer can be extremely low.
Implementation Method 2
an oxide semiconductor has a wide band gap and a low intrinsic carrier density. Accordingly, a cutoff current generated in the oxide semiconductor layer can be extremely low.
Data Source
AI summary
The circuit includes a first wiring for supplying a power supply potential to a signal processing circuit, a transistor for controlling electrical connection between the first wiring and a second wiring for supplying the a power supply potential, and a transistor for determining whether or not the first wiring is grounded. At least one of the two transistors is a transistor whose channel is formed in the oxide semiconductor layer. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption due to cutoff current of at least one of the two transistors.