Power Supply Maintaining Output Signal During Idle
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low power systems, charge pump circuits face challenges in rapidly generating high voltages needed for memory data read operations, leading to suppressed readout data signals due to insufficient pass gate voltages, and increased standby current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus and method that utilize a standby power signal to assist the power supply in maintaining an output power signal during idle or standby states, reducing the time spent building internal voltage by selectively outputting maintaining signals to the power converter, such as a charge pump or boost circuit, to ensure immediate high voltage availability and minimize power noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge pump circuit constructs more stages to supply predetermined high voltage, then the high voltage can be achieved, but the time to build up internal voltage increases and standby current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the output voltage of the charge pump circuit during idle periods through a maintaining signal generation unit. This keeps the internal voltage already built up, so when a read operation is needed, the high voltage is immediately available without requiring the charge pump to build up voltage from scratch, thus reducing the time to build up internal voltage while maintaining the required high voltage output
2Power
If charge pump circuit constructs more stages to supply predetermined high voltage, then the high voltage can be achieved, but standby current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a control unit that monitors whether the memory device is in an idle state or performing a read operation. When idle, the maintaining signal generation unit activates to sustain the charge pump's output voltage. When a read operation occurs, the normal operation takes over. This periodic switching ensures high voltage availability only when needed, reducing standby current consumption while maintaining the capability to supply predetermined high voltage
3Use of energy by stationary object
If pass gate voltages are not enough to fully pass data signal, then power consumption is reduced, but readout data signal is suppressed and wrong data may be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the charge pump's internal voltage during idle periods, ensuring that when a read operation is initiated, the pass gates immediately have sufficient voltage to fully pass the data signal without suppression. This preliminary maintenance of voltage levels guarantees data readout accuracy while allowing the system to operate in a low-power state during idle periods
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus and a method for supplying power are provided. The apparatus, for use in a system having a first power signal, includes an assistance unit and a power supply device. The assistance unit outputs at least one maintaining signal according to the first power signal selectively. The power supply device outputs a second power signal, wherein the power supply device maintains the second power signal according to the at least one maintaining signal, for example, in an inactive state, such as an idle or standby state or other suitable timing.