Internal Reference Voltage Calibration via EFUSE Burning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) designs require an external reference voltage, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the need for separate functional circuits and cumbersome adjustment processes, especially when the actual reference voltage deviates from the benchmark value.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjusts and obtains a reference voltage internally by decoding a default code, calculating a deviation value, configuring an adjustment code, and burning it into a nonvolatile storage medium like EFUSE, allowing the chip to self-adjust and eliminate the need for external power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external reference voltage is used, then the chip can function, but the device complexity increases due to separate functional circuits and adjustment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference voltage generation function into the chip's internal voltage regulation module. The processor executes instructions to generate a reference voltage internally, eliminating the need for separate external reference voltage circuits. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining chip functionality.
2Reliability
If an external reference voltage is used, then the chip can function, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome adjustment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the processor automatically executes instructions to generate and adjust the reference voltage internally. The system self-regulates by comparing the generated reference voltage with expected values and automatically adjusting accordingly, eliminating the need for manual external adjustment processes and improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the reference voltage deviates from benchmark value, then the chip may function partially, but the manufacturing precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor generates a reference voltage, compares it with benchmark values, and automatically adjusts the voltage regulation based on the deviation. This closed-loop control ensures the reference voltage remains accurate despite manufacturing variations, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining chip productivity.
4Ease of operation
If external power supply is required for reference voltage, then the chip can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference voltage generation function from external power supplies and relocates it into the chip's internal voltage regulation module. The processor executes instructions to generate the reference voltage internally, removing the dependency on external power supplies while preserving adjustment capability through software-controlled voltage regulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for adjusting a reference voltage, including: decoding a default code configured in a reference voltage register in a chip to obtain an actual reference voltage; comparing the actual reference voltage with a benchmark value to obtain a deviation value between the two; configuring an adjustment code according to the deviation value; and, burning the adjustment code into a nonvolatile storage medium. The present invention also discloses an apparatus for adjusting a reference voltage. According to the method and apparatus for adjusting a reference voltage provided by embodiments of the present invention, the reference voltage need not be adjusted according to an external power supply's different application schemes. Thus, adjustment on the reference voltage of the chip is standardized and costs of the chip's application schemes are saved. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method and apparatus for obtaining a reference voltage, which makes it not necessary to configure a dedicated reference voltage pin in the chip for introducing an external reference voltage, and thus stability of the circuit's working is improved and costs of the chip's applications are decreased.