Pre-Charge Reference Voltage Control for Fast Stable Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in generating stable internal voltages due to process variations, leading to defects and inconsistent logic value determination, necessitating precise adjustment of internal voltages and reference voltages.
Innovation Solution
A pre-charge control circuit and voltage generation circuit that includes a voltage generation unit, pre-charge unit, and pre-charge control unit to generate and stabilize reference voltages by dividing power supply voltages, using sampling voltages for comparison, and rapidly adjusting to target levels through pre-charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the internal voltage is generated using process-dependent components, then the voltage generation is simpler, but the voltage level deviates from the design target due to process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference voltage as an intermediary element that is generated using process-independent components (bandgap reference circuit). This reference voltage serves as a mediator to compensate for process variations affecting the internal voltage generated by process-dependent components (voltage divider), thereby achieving both simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter basis for voltage generation by introducing a reference voltage generated through a different physical mechanism (bandgap reference) that is insensitive to process variations. This parameter change allows the system to maintain voltage level accuracy despite process variations while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the reference voltage generation is optimized for stability, then the voltage level is accurate, but the response time to reach the target level is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the reference voltage output node to the power supply voltage level before the actual voltage generation begins. This preliminary charging action reduces the time required for the reference voltage to reach its target level while maintaining stability, as the node starts from a pre-conditioned state rather than from zero or random potential.
3Speed
If the voltage output node is directly connected to the power supply, then the response time is fast, but the voltage stability and accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-charging the voltage output node to the power supply voltage level before the voltage generation operation starts. This preliminary action provides a head start for the voltage to reach its target level, improving response speed without compromising stability, as the node is prepared in advance rather than being directly connected throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pre-charge control circuit as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily connects the voltage output node to the power supply for charging, then disconnects it during normal operation. This intermediary control allows the system to benefit from fast charging while maintaining voltage stability through proper isolation during the voltage generation phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generation circuit includes a voltage generation unit configured to generate a reference voltage using a power supply voltage and output the reference voltage through a voltage output node. The voltage generation circuit also includes a pre-charge unit configured to drive the voltage output node using the power supply voltage in response to a pre-charge control signal. The voltage generation circuit further includes a pre-charge control unit configured to generate at least one sampling voltage using the power supply voltage and generate the pre-charge control signal according to a result obtained by comparing the at least one sampling voltage with the reference voltage.