Merged Page Buffer Driver With Adaptive Load and Capacitance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In miniaturized memory devices, generating signals with specific characteristics for page buffers through a merged driver structure is challenging, as individual drivers cannot be configured for each signal, potentially leading to inadequate characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A driver with a current controller, load controller, and cap compensator is used to control current and load at the output terminal, allowing for the generation of signals with rising time, stability, and fast recovery characteristics by adjusting capacitance and load magnitude based on selected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a merged driver structure is used in miniaturized memory devices, then device area is reduced, but signal characteristics (rising time, stability, fast recovery) become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The merged driver is segmented into multiple independent driver units (first driver, second driver, third driver, fourth driver), each responsible for generating specific control signals (WB_SIGNAL, CB_SIGNAL, WBS_SIGNAL, CBS_SIGNAL). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific signal requirements while maintaining the overall merged structure's area efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver structure incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including enable signals (ENABLE1, ENABLE2, ENABLE3, ENABLE4) that selectively activate or deactivate individual driver units based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the merged driver to adapt signal characteristics in real-time, maintaining reliability while preserving area benefits.
2Reliability
If individual drivers are configured for each signal, then signal characteristics are improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple driver units are merged into a single integrated driver structure that shares common resources such as power supply connections, control logic, and output buffering. This merging reduces the total area compared to completely separate drivers while maintaining the ability to generate signals with appropriate characteristics through selective activation of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The merged driver structure is designed with universal capabilities where each driver unit can operate independently or in combination with others, and the overall structure can serve multiple functions (generating different control signals for different operational modes). This multi-functionality allows a single merged structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate dedicated drivers.
3Speed
If total current flowing through the driver is increased, then signal rising time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver incorporates dynamic current control through enable signals that selectively activate driver units based on operational requirements. During operations requiring fast signal transitions, more driver units are activated to increase total current and improve rising time. During idle or low-performance operations, fewer units are activated, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver structure allows for parameter changes in current consumption by varying the number of active driver units. The enable signals control the activation state of each unit, effectively changing the total current parameter dynamically. This allows optimization of the trade-off between rising time and power consumption based on real-time operational needs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If output terminal load is increased, then signal stability is improved, but signal recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver segments the load control function across multiple independent driver units, each capable of being activated or deactivated separately. This allows selective application of load to different signal lines based on their specific stability requirements, rather than applying uniform load to all outputs. Fast recovery is achieved by deactivating specific units when their signals transition, allowing rapid discharge of capacitive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver employs periodic activation and deactivation of driver units through enable signals, creating a dynamic load pattern. During signal establishment phases, load is applied to ensure stability. During transition phases, load is reduced or removed to enable fast recovery. This periodic modulation of load resolves the contradiction between stability and recovery time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an electronic device. A driver for generating a signal that satisfies a characteristic required according to a type of a signal includes a current controller configured to control total current flowing through the driver based on a selected signal, among a plurality of signals, applied to a page buffer that stores data, a load controller configured to control a magnitude of a load of an output terminal of the driver based on the selected signal and a cap compensator configured to control the magnitude of the load of the output terminal by increasing or decreasing a capacitance of the load of the output terminal based on the selected signal.