Power Supply Circuit for Semiconductor Memory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuits for semiconductor memory devices occupy significant chip area, experience voltage drop, and have limited output voltage range, which hinders efficient operation in semiconductor memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit utilizing a combination of transistors and resistors, with control signals and a comparing unit, to selectively form current paths that control voltage levels, allowing for reduced chip area usage, decreased voltage drop, and expanded output voltage range by enabling feedback-controlled current paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional power supply circuits are used, then the circuit can provide power supply function, but the chip area occupied is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is divided into multiple independent current paths (first current path with first transistor, second current path with second transistor, third current path with third transistor). Each path can be independently controlled through control signals to provide different voltage levels, thereby reducing the overall chip area while maintaining power supply stability through redundant paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs dynamic control of transistor switching states based on control signals. The control unit selectively activates different current paths depending on the required output voltage level, enabling the circuit to adapt its configuration dynamically. This dynamic operation allows the same hardware to serve multiple voltage supply functions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each voltage level.
2Loss of energy
If conventional power supply circuits are used, then the circuit can operate, but voltage drop occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that selects and activates appropriate current paths based on the required output voltage. By intelligently routing current through optimal paths (e.g., combining first and second current paths when higher voltage is needed), the system minimizes voltage drop without requiring oversized power supply components that would increase chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes operational parameters by switching between different transistor configurations. When voltage drop is detected or anticipated, the control unit activates additional current paths or switches to transistors with appropriate threshold voltages, thereby dynamically adjusting the electrical parameters to compensate for voltage drop while maintaining efficient power usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power supply circuits are used, then the circuit can provide power, but the output voltage range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is designed with multi-functionality where the same set of transistors and current paths can generate multiple different voltage levels (first voltage level, second voltage level, third voltage level) by changing the switching configuration. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each voltage level, thereby expanding the output voltage range without proportionally increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the output voltage level and adjusts the switching state of transistors accordingly to maintain the desired voltage range. This feedback mechanism enables the circuit to adapt to different load conditions and voltage requirements dynamically, expanding the effective output voltage range while keeping the control logic integrated and manageable rather than requiring separate complex control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor electrically coupled between a power supply terminal and an output terminal. When a first current path, in which output terminal through the first transistor, is formed, a voltage level of the output terminal may be controlled to be greater than or equal to a predetermined level. When a second current path, in which a current flows from the power supply terminal to the output terminal through the second transistor, is formed, the voltage level of the output terminal may be controlled to be less than or equal to the predetermined level.