Parallel MOS Power Control Circuit for Adjustable Current Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power supply circuits in semiconductor devices, such as DRAM, lack the ability to dynamically adjust current supply capacity according to performance requirements, leading to inefficient power management and increased current consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of parallel MOS transistors in the power control circuit, which are activated or deactivated by selection signals to adjust the current supply capacity, allowing for high current operation modes or reduced current consumption modes, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed current supply capacity is used in the power supply circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying performance requirements is poor and power management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into multiple parallel-connected MOS transistors (first MOS transistor and second MOS transistor) with independent gate electrodes. This segmentation allows the total current supply capacity to be adjusted by selectively activating different numbers of transistors, thereby adapting to varying performance requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit transitions from a fixed current supply configuration to a dynamic configuration where the current supply capacity can be adjusted in real-time. By controlling the gate electrodes of the MOS transistors through selection signals, the circuit can dynamically change its current supply capacity to match varying performance requirements, improving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel-connected MOS transistors are used to adjust current supply capacity, then the adaptability to performance requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is divided into multiple identical parallel-connected MOS transistor units, each with its own gate electrode. This segmentation enables independent control of each transistor's on/off state, allowing flexible adjustment of total current supply capacity while keeping each individual unit simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
Each MOS transistor in the parallel configuration serves multiple functions: it contributes to the total current supply capacity when activated, and its gate electrode serves as a control element for adjusting the overall current supply. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite having multiple transistors.
3Power
If all MOS transistors are always turned on, then the current supply capacity is maximized, but the power consumption increases during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit dynamically adjusts its current supply capacity by selectively turning on or off MOS transistors based on actual demand. During high-demand periods, more transistors are activated to maximize current supply capacity. During low-demand periods, fewer transistors are activated, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient current supply capacity for the actual workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operating parameters (current supply capacity) by varying the number of active MOS transistors. This parameter adjustment allows the system to match its power output to actual demand, maximizing current supply capacity when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-demand periods through selective transistor activation.
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 enables dynamic adjustment of current supply capacity, optimizing power usage and reducing current consumption, while maintaining high performance when needed.
Implementation Method 1
parallel-connected MOS transistors in the power control circuit, which are activated or deactivated based on selection signals to adjust the current supply capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes: a semiconductor substrate including first and second source regions coupled to a first power supply line and first and second drain regions coupled to a second power supply line, the first drain region being arranged between the first and second source regions, the second source region being arranged between the first and second drain regions; and gate electrodes including a first gate electrode arranged between the first source region and the first drain region, a second gate electrode arranged between the first drain region and the second source region, and a third gate electrode arranged between the second source region and the second drain region. The first and third gate electrodes are supplied with a first control signal. The second gate electrode is supplied with a second control signal.