Reconfigurable Charge Pump Stages for Multi-Voltage Memory Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional integrated circuits require multiple charge pumps to generate different voltages for read and programming operations, leading to increased area usage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single charge pump with multiple stages and selectively controllable switches is used to configure series and parallel connections, allowing it to generate various voltages for read, programming, and test operations by adjusting switch configurations based on mode selection codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charge pumps are used to generate different voltages for read and programming operations, then the required voltage levels for different memory operations can be achieved, but the area usage increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single charge pump that can perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring its internal stages. The charge pump includes a plurality of stages that can be connected in different configurations (series, parallel, or combinations) to generate multiple voltage levels required for different memory operations such as read, program, and erase operations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate charge pumps for different voltage requirements, thereby reducing area usage while maintaining the capability to provide various voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump employs dynamic reconfiguration of its internal stages through control circuitry that can change the connectivity and operating mode of the stages based on the required output voltage. The stages can be dynamically switched between series connection for higher voltages, parallel connection for lower voltages with higher current, or mixed configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows a single charge pump to replace multiple static charge pumps, achieving area reduction without sacrificing voltage generation versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charge pumps are used to generate different voltages, then the appropriate voltage for each memory operation can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single charge pump with reconfigurable stages, the patent reduces device complexity compared to using multiple dedicated charge pumps. The universal charge pump structure with controllable stage connections provides all necessary voltage levels through one integrated device rather than multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the complexity of managing multiple charge pump circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple charge pump functions into a single integrated charge pump device. The plurality of stages are combined within one charge pump structure, and through control circuitry, these stages are merged to work together in different configurations to produce various voltage levels. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate charge pump devices, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If a single charge pump is used to generate multiple voltages, then area usage is reduced, but the ability to provide high voltage and current simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump uses dynamic reconfiguration of its stages to optimize power output for different operating conditions. When high voltage is required (such as for program operations), the stages are connected in series to multiply the voltage output. When high current is required (such as for read operations), the stages can be connected in parallel to increase current capability. This dynamic switching allows the single charge pump to deliver high power in both voltage and current forms as needed, maintaining power performance while reducing area usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump is divided into multiple independent stages that can be selectively connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of the stages to meet different power requirements. By segmenting the charge pump into controllable stages, the system can optimize the connection topology (series for voltage, parallel for current) based on the specific power needs of different memory operations, thereby maintaining high voltage and current output capability within a compact single-pump structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a charge pump. The charge pump includes a plurality of charge pump stages and a plurality of switches. The switches can operated to selectively couple the charge pump stages in various arrangements of series and parallel connections based on a currently selected operational mode of the charge pump. The charge pump assists in performing read and write operations for a memory array of the integrated circuit.