Reference Current Generating Circuit Trimming Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in maintaining a sufficient reading margin for memory cell data due to fluctuations in temperature and power supply voltage, which affect the reference current generation, leading to deviations from design values caused by manufacturing process variations.
Innovation Solution
A reference current generating circuit that combines first and second base currents, temperature compensating current, and voltage compensating current, allowing for trimming to extend the trimming range and stabilize the reference current, incorporating positive and negative current generating circuits to adjust for temperature and voltage dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature compensating current and voltage compensating current are added to generate reference current, then the reading margin is improved, but the trimming range becomes insufficient due to manufacturing process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The base current is segmented into two separate currents: first base current (Ip1) and second base current (Ip2). This segmentation allows independent trimming of each current component, enabling the trimming range to extend beyond the limitations of a single base current while maintaining the required reading margin through coordinated adjustment of both currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic trimming capability by making both the first base current and second base current adjustable through separate trimming circuits. This dynamic adjustment allows the reference current generation circuit to adapt to manufacturing process variations and maintain optimal reading margin under different operating conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If base current is trimmed to suppress manufacturing variations, then the reference current stability is improved, but the trimming range is limited when compensating currents vary
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the base current into first base current (Ip1) and second base current (Ip2), the invention enables independent trimming of each component. This segmentation provides two separate trimming degrees of freedom, allowing the system to maintain reference current stability while accommodating larger variations in compensating currents that would exceed the trimming capacity of a single base current.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds an additional dimension to the trimming space by introducing a second base current with its own trimming mechanism. This transforms the problem from one-dimensional trimming (single base current) to two-dimensional trimming (two base currents), expanding the accessible trimming range to cover larger manufacturing process variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The trimming range of a reference current is extended larger than that of the related art. A semiconductor device includes a reference current generating circuit that generates a reference current. The reference current includes a first base current, a second base current base current, a second base current, a temperature compensating current, and a voltage compensating current. The first base current can be trimmed. The second base current flowing opposite to the first base current can be trimmed. The temperature compensating current flows in the same direction as the first base current and has higher temperature dependence than the first and second base currents. The voltage compensating current flows in the same direction as the first base current and depends on power supply voltages more than the base currents.