Power-Source Potential Trimming Circuit With Feedback Code Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor integrated circuit devices require extensive power consumption during the trimming process to adjust internal potentials, as they sequentially generate and compare all trimming codes to determine the optimum code, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A power-source potential control circuit with a trimming code generating circuit and comparator that adjusts the trimming potential based on a comparison with a reference potential, allowing the trimming code to be changed only when necessary, reducing the need to generate all trimming codes and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all possible trimming codes are generated and compared to adjust internal potentials, then the trimming precision is improved, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by generating and comparing only a subset of trimming codes rather than all possible codes. The comparison stops when the optimal trimming code is found, performing fewer operations than the exhaustive approach would require, thus reducing power consumption while still achieving the necessary trimming precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the comparison result to determine whether to continue generating and comparing trimming codes. The feedback mechanism allows the system to stop the trimming process early when the optimal code is identified, avoiding unnecessary power consumption from generating all possible codes.
2Manufacturing precision
If all possible trimming codes are generated and compared, then the trimming accuracy is improved, but the time required for trimming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs partial action by comparing only a portion of all possible trimming codes rather than exhaustively checking every code. The process terminates early upon finding the optimal trimming code, reducing the time required while maintaining trimming accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism uses comparison results to dynamically control the continuation of the trimming process. When the optimal trimming code is found, the feedback signal stops further code generation and comparison, thereby reducing the total trimming time while ensuring accurate results.
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 reduces electric power consumption during the trimming process by determining the optimum trimming code efficiently, minimizing the generation of unnecessary trimming potentials and optimizing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator (50) making a comparison between the trimming potential and a reference potential (VREF), and outputting a comparison result signal (COMP) indicative of a result of the comparison
Implementation Method 2
A charge pump (10) generating an internal potential (V1)
Data Source
AI summary
A power-source potential control circuit has: an output terminal outputting a control signal to a power-source generating device which generates a power-source potential in accordance with the control signal; an input terminal connected to an output of the power-source generating device; and a control unit configured to make a comparison between a trimming potential depending on a first potential at the input terminal and a predetermined reference potential and to output the control signal corresponding to a result of the comparison. In a trimming operation mode, the control unit changes the trimming potential in accordance with the result of the comparison.