Power-Up Signal Circuit With Dynamic Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-up signal generation circuits in semiconductor devices can inadvertently reset the device during active operation due to voltage drops, leading to potential damage and instability.
Innovation Solution
A power-up signal generation circuit that includes a target level controller, which adjusts the target voltage level based on current consumption signals, ensuring the power-up signal remains enabled even when the external power voltage drops during active operation by lowering the target level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed target level is used for power-up signal generation, then the circuit structure is simple, but the power-up signal may be inadvertently reset during active operation when voltage drops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the target level adjustable rather than fixed. The target level controller dynamically changes the target level based on the operation mode signal, switching between a first target level for idle mode and a second target level for active operation. This dynamic adjustment prevents inadvertent reset during voltage drops in active operation while maintaining circuit stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the target level parameter according to the operation mode. When the semiconductor device transitions from idle mode to active operation, the target level parameter is changed from the first target level to the second target level. This parameter change allows the power-up signal to remain stable during voltage drops that occur during active operation, thereby improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the target level is lowered during active operation to prevent reset, then the power-up signal stability improves, but the voltage threshold for power-up detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by conditionally adjusting the target level based on operation mode. During active operation, when voltage drops are expected, the target level is lowered to maintain the power-up signal. During idle mode, the higher first target level provides precise power-up detection. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining signal stability and preserving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the target level parameter according to operational conditions. The target level controller receives the operation mode signal and adjusts the target level accordingly - using a second (lower) target level during active operation to prevent reset, and a first (higher) target level during idle mode for accurate detection. This conditional parameter change optimizes both reliability and measurement precision for different operating states.
Data Source
AI summary
A power-up signal generation circuit includes a power-up signal generator configured to enable a power-up signal when a level of an external power voltage is higher than a target level, and a target level controller configured to change the target level in response to a current consumption signal indicating a current consumption of a system including the power-up signal generation circuit.